In the thrilling and often brutal world of Formula 1, standing on the podium represents a pinnacle of achievement. Yet, for many talented drivers, this elusive dream remains just out of reach, even after numerous Grand Prix starts. The recent British Grand Prix in 2025 witnessed a significant shift in this narrative when Nico Hulkenberg finally secured a third-place finish after an astonishing 239 starts, marking a new chapter for those who have yet to taste podium glory. This monumental event has reshaped the infamous list of drivers with the most starts without a top-three finish, casting a spotlight on their careers, their near misses, and their enduring pursuit of F1 success.
The Unsung Heroes of Formula 1: A Deep Dive into Their Podium-less Journeys
At the prestigious Silverstone circuit on a memorable day in July 2025, German driver Nico Hulkenberg, piloting his Sauber, expertly navigated the challenging, rain-slicked track. Benefiting from impeccable pitstop timing amidst the strategic missteps of his rivals, Hulkenberg clinched a stunning third-place finish. This remarkable outcome, achieved in his 239th Grand Prix, brought to an end his long-standing record as the driver with the most starts without a podium, a testament to his persistent spirit and the unpredictable nature of motorsport.
With Hulkenberg's long-awaited triumph, the spotlight now shifts to the drivers who currently lead this unenviable list. Among them are several names etched into the annals of Formula 1 history for their skill, determination, and, surprisingly, their absence from the podium.
Adrian Sutil – 128 Grand Prix Starts
Between 2007 and 2014, Adrian Sutil carved out a respectable, albeit unrewarded, career in Formula 1. Competing for teams such as Spyker, Force India, and Sauber, the German driver participated in 128 Grand Prix races. His career-best result was a notable fourth place at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix. Sutil’s journey was often one of battling in the midfield, meticulously fighting for championship points. In 2009, he had several tantalizing brushes with a podium finish. At the Nürburgring, he ascended to second place early on but a collision during a pit exit cost him any chance of a top-three finish. Later that year, at the iconic Monza, Sutil qualified an impressive second, only to finish fourth, narrowly missing the podium after intense pressure on Kimi Räikkönen. His third significant opportunity came at Interlagos in Brazil, where he qualified third, but a first-lap incident prematurely ended his race. Despite these setbacks, Sutil’s perseverance and occasional flashes of brilliance defined his F1 tenure.
Pierluigi Martini – 119 Grand Prix Starts
Pierluigi Martini became a household name synonymous with the Minardi team during his ten seasons in Formula 1, primarily driving for the Italian underdog outfit. Minardi, operating on a shoestring budget, rarely contended for podiums, meaning any high finishes were often a result of fortuitous circumstances. In the 1989 Portuguese Grand Prix, Martini famously led for a single lap, a unique highlight in Minardi's history, due to a longer pit strategy. Two years later, he achieved his best-ever results with two fourth-place finishes, first at his home circuit in Imola and then at Estoril in Portugal. These impressive drives were largely aided by retirements among leading contenders. At Imola, he finished a lap behind the third-placed driver, while in Portugal, he was just ten seconds adrift of Jean Alesi, who secured the final podium spot. Outside of these rare occurrences, Martini’s machinery consistently relegated him to the midfield, preventing him from ever truly challenging for a podium finish, though he later found success in sports car racing, including a victory at the 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours.
Philippe Alliot – 109 Grand Prix Starts
Philippe Alliot endured a challenging Formula 1 career spanning seven seasons, predominantly competing as a backmarker for teams like RAM, Ligier, and Larrousse. His best championship finishes were 17th in both 1987 and 1993, highlighting the competitive struggle he faced. Across 109 Grand Prix starts, Alliot never achieved a podium finish, with only five points finishes to his name. His highest placement was a fifth-place finish at the 1993 San Marino Grand Prix, where his ascent from 14th was primarily due to numerous retirements ahead. He finished two laps behind the race winner and a lap behind the third-place finisher, underscoring the gap to the front-runners. Unlike others on this list, Alliot rarely had true podium opportunities. Notably, he holds the record for the most F1 starts without leading a single lap. His brief stint with McLaren in 1994, as a stand-in for Mika Häkkinen at the Hungarian Grand Prix, ended in mechanical retirement. Despite his unfulfilled F1 aspirations, Alliot enjoyed a successful career in sportscars, claiming three overall podiums at Le Mans and three victories in the World Sportscar Championship.
Yuki Tsunoda – 99 Grand Prix Starts
Yuki Tsunoda is the sole active driver on this list, having accumulated 99 Grand Prix starts without a podium. After four years with Red Bull’s junior teams, AlphaTauri and RB, Tsunoda finally joined a front-running squad in 2025. His Formula 1 journey began in 2021 with AlphaTauri, where he faced a demanding rookie season, often overshadowed by his teammate Pierre Gasly and plagued by frequent crashes in practice sessions. Despite these challenges, he achieved a career-best fourth place at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, though a podium challenge was never truly on the cards. Despite his gradual improvement over the years, Tsunoda has consistently been positioned in the midfield, contending for minor points finishes rather than aiming for the podium. His promotion to Red Bull in 2025 ignited hopes for a breakthrough, with Tsunoda openly stating his ambition to achieve a podium finish at his Red Bull debut in Suzuka. However, like many before him, he has encountered difficulties adapting to the new machinery and competing against his world champion teammate, Max Verstappen, keeping his podium drought alive.
Pedro Diniz – 98 Grand Prix Starts
With Nico Hulkenberg's recent success, Pedro Diniz now re-enters this list, holding the record for the fifth-most Grand Prix starts without a podium finish. Over 98 starts between 1995 and 2000, Diniz never managed a top-three finish, narrowly surpassing Marcus Ericsson. Often labeled a 'pay driver' due to significant financial backing, Diniz’s F1 career began with the backmarker Forti team, yielding no points in his debut year. He subsequently moved to Ligier and then Arrows, bringing substantial sponsorship. His best results were fifth-place finishes at the 1997 Luxembourg Grand Prix and the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, but in neither instance was he genuinely close to a podium. After two seasons with Sauber, Diniz’s F1 driving career concluded in 2000. While his driving career didn't see him on the podium, his family's subsequent acquisition of a stake in the Prost team allowed him to transition into a management role within the sport.
This analysis of drivers who have accumulated numerous Grand Prix starts without a podium finish provides a compelling insight into the demanding and often unforgiving nature of Formula 1. It highlights the stark reality that talent, while essential, must often be coupled with competitive machinery and opportune circumstances to achieve the ultimate recognition of a podium finish. For these drivers, their careers serve as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence and the fine line between triumph and unfulfilled potential in elite motorsport.
