Formula 1: Top five races with most DNFs in history

These races bring more excitement for the fans.

It’s no secret that Formula 1, as a sport, thrives on unpredictability and excitement. And although the 2023 season has mostly been boring, with Max Verstappen winning with ease, some races have etched their names in the history books for their sheer madness and drama. Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 5 races with the most DNFs.

5. 2023 Australian Grand Prix

While the 2023 season hasn’t provided much drama, the Australian Grand Prix was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. The race began smoothly, with George Russell snatching the lead from Max Verstappen. However, chaos ensued on turn 3 as Lance Stroll’s contact sent Charles Leclerc spinning into the gravel, leading to multiple retirements.

Despite the red flags and safety cars, mechanical issues became rampant, with George Russell losing his lead due to an ill-timed pit stop and later retiring from the race with a mechanical issue. Finally, the closing stages of the race witnessed more crashes, resulting in utter chaos. In the end, Max Verstappen emerged victorious, with only 12 out of 20 drivers managing to cross the finish line.

4. 2014 Canadian Grand Prix

Held under the scorching summer heat, the 2014 Canadian GP quickly turned into an endurance test as several drivers experienced mechanical issues, including Lewis Hamilton and Daniil Kvyat. Additionally, at the end of the race, Felipe Massa and Sergio Perez were involved in a heavy collision, which led to a safety car finish and Daniel Ricciardo claiming his first Formula 1 victory.

In the end, only 11 drivers out of 22 made it to the checkered flag.

3. 1998 Belgian Grand Prix

Whenever we talk about chaotic races, the 1998 Belgian GP is one of the first to come to people’s minds. Plagued with extremely wet conditions, the first lap of the race saw a massive collision involving David Coulthard, resulting in a red flag and a restart from the beginning. Despite the restart, several drivers, including Rubens Barrichello, Mika Hakkinen, and Johnny Herbert, had to retire.

In the end, only 8 out of the 23 drivers managed to see the checkered flag.

2. 1984 Dallas Grand Prix

Held once again under the scorching heat of July, the 1984 Dallas GP was a gruelling battle against nature. This is because the track, already damaged from a previous Can-Am race, also tested the drivers’ physical and mental endurance, resulting in several mechanical failures and retirements.

Although Keke Rosberg eventually claimed victory, only 8 out of 25 drivers managed to see the checkered flag.

1. 1996 Monaco Grand Prix

Plagued by treacherous rain, the 1996 Monaco GP was a tale of survival as collisions and retirements were a common sight, including pole position holder Michael Schumacher. And although Olivier Panis claimed victory, with David Coulthard and Johnny Herbert finishing second and third, respectively, they were the only three to have finished the race.

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