In the world of Formula One, the debate over the greatest drivers of all time is a never-ending one. While the World Championship title is often the deciding metric, it's equally fascinating to explore the stories of drivers who, despite their immense talent, never quite reached the pinnacle. Here, we delve into the lives and careers of ten such exceptional drivers, each with their own unique journey and impact on the sport.
The Unbeaten Champions
10. Robert Kubica
Robert Kubica's F1 career was on an upward trajectory until a near-fatal accident during a rally driving event halted his progress. The Polish driver was on the cusp of a move to Ferrari, set to partner Fernando Alonso in 2012. However, a crash in the Ronde di Andora rally ahead of his final season with Lotus ended his career as he knew it. The seven-hour surgery that followed left him unable to return to the level he once was. Yet, his return to racing, even in a different form, is a testament to his resilience. Without that accident, many believe Kubica would have been fighting for world titles.
9. Mark Webber
Mark Webber's career was marked by a constant battle with one driver - Sebastian Vettel. Despite a solid career, Webber's main Championship chance came with a move to Red Bull, where he helped elevate the team from F1 upstarts to genuine title contenders. Webber's best season was 2010, when he finished within touching distance of the title in Abu Dhabi. However, strategy errors and tyre issues saw Vettel crowned champion. From then on, Vettel consistently outperformed Webber, who kept close but never quite reached the top.
8. David Coulthard
David Coulthard's career was marked by a constant battle with just one driver - Mika Hakkinen. In his early career, he competed alongside Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher, and a move to McLaren seemed to present him with a chance at the title. However, Hakkinen's presence always seemed to get in the way. Coulthard came closest in the 2001 season, finishing second behind Schumacher, but ended his career as one of the greatest British drivers of all time. Despite 13 wins and 62 podiums, he could never quite elevate himself to the next level.
7. Rubens Barrichello
Rubens Barrichello was the ultimate wingman for Michael Schumacher, but his immense talent was undeniable. The Brazilian started 322 races, winning 11 of them, and has 68 podiums, 14 poles, and 658 points to his name. Yet, he was consistently one step behind the best of the best. Without Schumacher, Barrichello may have won a title during Ferrari's dominant years, but even after a move to Honda, he couldn't capitalise on their early advantage like Jenson Button did. He was consistently very good, but always one step behind.
6. Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo's career has been marked by a sense of what could have been. His sliding doors moment came with a decision to leave Red Bull and join Renault, just as Max Verstappen gained control of the Milton Keynes outfit. Ricciardo's time at Renault is often harshly remembered, and a move to McLaren never worked out. A return to the Red Bull family, this time with AlphaTauri, demonstrated how far his star had fallen. At his best, Ricciardo was a fantastic driver, and his talent is undeniable.
5. Didier Pironi
Didier Pironi's career was cut short by a tragic accident during practice for the German Grand Prix. The Frenchman joined Ferrari in 1981 and was soon battling for the world title against his team-mate Villeneuve. After 11 races, Pironi led the way, nine points ahead of the Canadian, but tragedy struck. Villeneuve was killed during qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, and Pironi, too, was involved in a serious crash. Months of surgery were required to make him walk, and he was never able to race again. According to legend, Enzo Ferrari visited Pironi in hospital and placed a cup next to his bed, reading 'Didier Pironi - the true 1982 World Champion'.
4. Gilles Villeneuve
Gilles Villeneuve's career was cut short by tragedy, but his talent was undeniable. The Canadian was within four points of a world title and yet never managed to win one. His route into F1 came via a North American Formula Atlantic race, and he was soon signed by Ferrari. Villeneuve is remembered less for his statistics and more for the way he drove, and he still holds a soft spot in many Ferrari hearts. His 1979 season was a highlight, but tragedy struck in 1982, just as Ferrari were returning to Championship contention.
3. Jacky Ickx
Jacky Ickx's talents were not just confined to F1, and the multiple Le Mans winner picked up plenty of titles. However, the F1 championship eluded him. He started 116 grands prix, mostly for Ferrari, and came second in back-to-back seasons in 1969 and 1970. In the latter season, he finished just five points off winner Jochen Rindt, who had a fatal crash at the Italian Grand Prix. From 1968 to 1972, Ickx finished no lower than fourth in the championship, and although his later career faltered, he was clearly one of the best in the world in his prime.
2. Ronnie Peterson
Ronnie Peterson, nicknamed the Superswede, may have only won 10 of his 123 races, but it was often the car that let him down. He failed to register a point in his first season but a move to March in 1971 had him finishing second in the Championship behind Jackie Stewart. Peterson would start on pole 14 times in his career and was competing with team-mate Mario Andretti for the 1978 title when he suffered a fatal crash at the Italian Grand Prix. He remains the best driver to have ever come from Sweden and comes second in our list.
1. Stirling Moss
It is not often in an F1 debate that there is so clearly a correct answer. While some may argue Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, or Ayrton Senna are the best Formula 1 driver of all time, Sir Stirling Moss is in that conversation despite never having won the championship. The London-born driver finished runner-up on four occasions, a feat that only Alain Prost matched, and won just under a quarter of the races he took part in at a time when reliability was no guarantee. Moss' selflessness in 1958, when he vouched for Mike Hawthorn despite knowing he would have won the title had Hawthorn been disqualified, is a testament to his character. Moss' impact on the sport extends beyond the numbers, and his place in F1 history is not diminished without a title.
