Crashes, Failures, and DNFs: A Countdown of F1’s Most Troubled Drivers

January 28, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Formula 1 is not just a showcase of speed and skill but also a testament to endurance and reliability. However, some drivers have had their careers marked by frequent DNFs (Did Not Finish). Here’s a countdown of the top 15 drivers who faced the most DNFs in the history of the sport.

15. Mika Häkkinen – 59 DNFs

Mika Häkkinen, the two-time world champion, had his share of struggles with mechanical issues and on-track incidents. Despite competing in 161 races, his career was a mix of spectacular wins and unfortunate DNFs. Häkkinen’s fighting spirit was evident throughout the 1990s, but reliability problems, particularly during his time with McLaren, often cost him points and podiums.

14. Gerhard Berger – 60 DNFs

Gerhard Berger was one of the most talented drivers of his era, racing for top teams like Ferrari and McLaren. Over 210 races, the Austrian driver was plagued by car failures and occasional crashes, leading to 60 DNFs. Berger’s aggressive driving style and his cars’ limitations sometimes pushed the envelope, resulting in moments of glory mixed with frequent retirements.

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13. Jenson Button – 61 DNFs

The 2009 World Champion had a long career spanning 309 races, but not all of them ended in success. Jenson Button’s career saw periods of frustration, especially during his early years with underperforming cars. His tenure at BAR Honda and later McLaren was riddled with mechanical failures that contributed to his 61 DNFs.

12. Mark Webber – 63 DNFs

Mark Webber is remembered for his incredible determination and some thrilling victories. However, out of his 215 races, 63 ended in DNFs. Webber’s career, particularly during his time with Jaguar and early years with Red Bull Racing, was often marred by technical issues that held him back from consistently competing at the top level.

11. Sebastian Vettel – 65 DNFs

The four-time World Champion had a remarkable career with 299 starts, but 65 of those ended in disappointment. Vettel’s time at Ferrari was particularly challenging, as reliability issues and strategic missteps led to missed opportunities. Despite this, Vettel remains one of the most successful and respected drivers in Formula 1 history.

10. David Coulthard – 66 DNFs

David Coulthard, a veteran of 246 races, often found himself at the mercy of technical failures during his career. Whether it was at Williams, McLaren, or Red Bull, Coulthard’s 66 DNFs reflected the high-risk nature of competing in some of the most competitive cars in the grid.

9. Nelson Piquet Sr. – 69 DNFs

The three-time World Champion had an illustrious career but also encountered his fair share of retirements, with 69 DNFs over 204 races. Piquet’s aggressive driving style and the challenges of competing in a less reliable era contributed significantly to this number.

8. Romain Grosjean – 70 DNFs

Romain Grosjean’s career was filled with highs and lows, including 70 DNFs out of 179 starts. Known for his aggressive and sometimes erratic driving, Grosjean often found himself in incidents. His time with Lotus and Haas saw him contend with not just errors but also unreliable machinery.

7. Fernando Alonso – 71 DNFs

One of the most versatile drivers in F1, Fernando Alonso has endured 71 DNFs out of his 342 starts. His long career has seen him suffer mechanical failures, especially during his time with McLaren-Honda. Despite this, Alonso’s resilience and adaptability have ensured his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

6. Kimi Räikkönen – 82 DNFs

The Iceman’s 350-race career featured 82 DNFs, a reflection of both his long tenure and the challenges of competing at the highest level. From early issues with Sauber to reliability struggles with Ferrari and Lotus, Räikkönen’s career was a rollercoaster of triumph and setbacks.

5. Rubens Barrichello – 83 DNFs

Rubens Barrichello, a stalwart of F1 with 326 starts, faced 83 DNFs in his career. The Brazilian driver’s early years with Jordan and Stewart were particularly difficult, but his persistence eventually paid off with a successful stint at Ferrari, where he played a key role as Michael Schumacher’s teammate.

4. Jarno Trulli – 84 DNFs

Known for his exceptional qualifying pace, Jarno Trulli’s career spanned 252 races, but 84 of them ended prematurely. His time with Toyota and Renault was characterized by frequent retirements, often caused by technical issues that overshadowed his undeniable talent.

3. Jean Alesi – 95 DNFs

Jean Alesi was a fan favorite known for his passionate driving style, but his career was hampered by frequent DNFs. Out of 201 races, 95 ended in retirements, often due to mechanical problems with his cars, particularly during his time at Ferrari and Benetton.

2. Andrea de Cesaris – 148 DNFs

User:Gel, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Andrea de Cesaris holds the unenviable record for most DNFs in F1 history, with 148 retirements out of 208 races. Known for his inconsistent performances, de Cesaris often pushed his cars to their limits, leading to both spectacular crashes and mechanical failures.

1. Riccardo Patrese – 146 DNFs

Despite having one of the longest careers in F1 with 256 starts, Riccardo Patrese also holds the record for one of the highest DNFs. With 146 retirements, Patrese experienced the ups and downs of competing in an era where reliability was often a significant challenge.