Formula 1 races come in all types. From stunning neck-to-neck duels and chaotic, rain-struck competitions, to incredible examples of strategy and speed. These are the five most beautiful races in recent years.
1. Brazilian Grand Prix, 2008
Lewis Hamilton had to be fifth to secure his world title. But due to rain, he was sixth shortly before the final round. Felipe Massa in Ferrari won the race and would become a world champion if the positions stayed the same. But in the last corner of the final lap, Hamilton was able to send his McLaren past Timo Glock to capture that all-important fifth place.
2. British Grand Prix, 1987
The two Williams drivers, Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell, started in the front row. After technical problems, Mansell was able to catch 29 seconds behind, breaking the round record 11 times. He won the race in the penultimate lap by grabbing the checkered flag in the Stowe Corner in front of his home crowd.
3. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 2010
At the start of the last GP of the season, there were four champion candidates – Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, and Lewis Hamilton. It was a game of cat and mouse, where each team closely monitored the strategies of the others. Alonso eventually ended up behind a slower car, driven by Vitaly Petrov. It took him many seconds, and he lost the chance to win the race. The championship went to Vettel.
4. Brazilian Grand Prix, 2012
The 2012 Formula 1 season also amounted to the final race with Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari, only 13 points behind Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull. It was a desperate and chaotic but fascinating fight, in which Vettel benefited most from a cloudburst. Cars slipped, crashed, and the race ended behind a safety car. Vettel became the youngest triple world champion ever.
5. Grand Prix of Monaco, 1992
Nigel Mansell’s Williams was ahead of the competition from pole. His 30-second lead was an almost certain victory. Until a flat tire forced him into the pits with a few laps. After a slow tire change, he ended up behind number 2 Ayrton Senna. Mansell attacked with fierce determination but did not pass. Senna won the best defensive race of his life.
