Max Verstappen turned heads at the 2025 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix with a sensational drive from the pit lane all the way to the podium. The Dutch driver navigated through the field in a typically ruthless fashion and was, at one point, even in contention for the win. As Verstappen charged through the pack, his projected finish kept improving lap by lap.
This remarkable performance naturally raised a question among fans and pundits alike: how many times has a driver started a race from the pit lane and still managed to finish on the podium?
In this feature, we take a look at three memorable occasions when drivers started from the pit lane and ended the race on the podium—just like Max Verstappen.
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### #1 Sebastian Vettel (2012 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix)
The 2012 Formula 1 season is remembered as one of the most exciting in the sport’s history. With seven different winners in the first seven races, the championship battle quickly shaped up into a duel primarily between Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso.
At the Abu Dhabi GP, Vettel initially qualified on pole position, but a fuel irregularity led to his disqualification from qualifying results. Overnight, Red Bull made setup changes to the car, causing Vettel to start the race from the pit lane.
What followed was a drive through the field that exceeded expectations. Vettel masterfully carved his way through the pack with precision and blistering pace. His race culminated in a thrilling wheel-to-wheel battle with Jenson Button, which he won to secure a podium finish.
This performance proved vital in Vettel’s eventual title triumph that season, making the Abu Dhabi comeback one of his career highlights.
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### #2 Lewis Hamilton (2014 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix)
Lewis Hamilton’s 2014 season featured moments of brilliance mixed with unusual setbacks. Although he ultimately clinched the championship comfortably, some races presented unique challenges.
At the Hungarian GP, Hamilton was forced to start from the pit lane due to a power unit issue. The race conditions were complicated by rain, but this played to Hamilton’s strengths. Demonstrating his exceptional wet-weather skills and backed by the dominant Mercedes package, he systematically overtook rivals throughout the race.
Late in the event, Hamilton was even on course for the victory. In the end, he settled for a hard-fought third place finish, advancing ahead of his teammate and title contender Nico Rosberg.
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### #3 Max Verstappen (2025 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix)
The latest example comes from Max Verstappen at the 2025 Brazilian GP, previously mentioned. Verstappen’s weekend had been difficult; both Friday and Saturday sessions—including the sprint and qualifying—were not promising.
Expectations were low as the race began. The Red Bull did not show the pace expected to fight at the front of the grid.
Starting from the pit lane, Verstappen began an impressive ascent through the field. Despite suffering a puncture while running on hard tires, he remained undeterred and continued his charge.
In the closing stages, Verstappen was battling young Kimi Antonelli for second place but ultimately had to settle for third on the podium.
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Starting from the pit lane and finishing on the podium is an extraordinary feat in Formula 1, highlighting skill, strategy, and resilience. These three performances by Vettel, Hamilton, and Verstappen stand out as some of the finest examples in recent F1 history.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/3-f1-drivers-feat-max-verstappen-finished-podium-starting-race-pit-lane
