In Formula 1, the quest for the podium is the ultimate goal for every driver. However, some of them have raced on the circuits without ever tasting that coveted flavor. Here is the list of drivers who raced the longest without stepping onto a podium, a reminder that perseverance is sometimes more valuable than victory.
20. Arturo Merzario
Arturo Merzario (Williams) in 1975
Born in 1943, Merzario competed in 57 Grands Prix between 1972 and 1979. His best result? A modest 4th place, which was enough for him to experience memorable moments on the grid.
19. Jean-Éric Vergne
Jean-Éric Vergne (Toro Rosso) in 2012
Born in 1990, the Frenchman participated in 58 Grands Prix between 2012 and 2014. His highest performance was a 6th place, an honorable feat but one that did not allow him to reach the desired podium.
18. Paul Di Resta
Paul Di Resta (Force India) in 2012
Born in 1986, Di Resta raced in 59 Grands Prix between 2011 and 2017, with a best finish of 4th place. A promising career, but one that did not translate his efforts into tangible rewards.
17. Esteban Gutiérrez
Esteban Gutiérrez (Sauber) in 2014
Born in 1991, Gutiérrez participated in 59 Grands Prix between 2013 and 2016. His best result: a 7th place. Despite his talent, he never managed to thrill the crowds on the podium.
16. Erik Comas
Erik Comas (Larrousse) in 1993
Born in 1963, Comas raced in 59 Grands Prix between 1991 and 1994. His best finish? A 5th place, proof that he had the potential without ever fully achieving it.
15. Nicholas Latifi
Nicholas Latifi (Williams) in 2022
Born in 1995, Latifi competed in 61 Grands Prix between 2020 and 2022, with a best performance of 7th place. A presence marked by determination but which has yet to bear fruit.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi
Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo) in 2021
Born in 1993, Giovinazzi raced in 62 Grands Prix between 2017 and 2021, achieving an honorable 5th place at best. Italian fervor does not always guarantee a podium.
13. Zhou Guanyu
Zhou Guanyu (Sauber) in 2024
Born in 1999, Zhou participated in 68 Grands Prix between 2022 and 2024, with a best result of 8th place. The young driver still has work to do to break through that coveted barrier.
12. Satoru Nakajima
Satoru Nakajima (Tyrrell) in 1990
Born in 1953, Nakajima raced in 74 Grands Prix between 1987 and 1991, with a best performance of 4th place. The Japanese driver made his mark in his era, even if the podium eluded him.
11. Piercarlo Ghinzani
Piercarlo Ghinzani (Zakspeed) in 1988
Born in 1952, Ghinzani participated in 76 Grands Prix between 1981 and 1989, achieving a best result of 5th place. His career reminds us that every point counts, even without a podium.
10. Vitantonio Liuzzi
Vitantonio Liuzzi (HRT) in 2011
Born in 1980, Liuzzi raced in 80 Grands Prix between 2005 and 2011, with a best performance of 6th place. Despite his passion, the first step of the podium remained out of reach.
9. Marc Surer
Marc Surer (Arrows) in 1983
Born in 1951, Surer raced in 81 Grands Prix between 1979 and 1986, with a best result of 4th place. A fine career that showcases undeniable talent.
8. Jonathan Palmer
Jonathan Palmer (Tyrrell) in 1987
Born in 1956, Palmer participated in 83 Grands Prix between 1983 and 1989, achieving a best finish of 4th place. A respected figure, but without the joy of a podium.
7. Ukyo Katayama
Ukyo Katayama (Venturi) in 1992
Born in 1963, Katayama raced in 95 Grands Prix between 1992 and 1997, with a best performance of 5th place. His name remains etched in history despite a missing podium.
6. Marcus Ericsson
Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) in 2018
Born in 1990, Ericsson participated in 97 Grands Prix between 2014 and 2018, achieving a best finish of 8th place. A determined driver who made a name for himself without ever reaching the top.
5. Pedro Diniz
Pedro Diniz (Sauber) in 1999
Born in 1970, Diniz raced in 98 Grands Prix between 1995 and 2000, with a best result of 5th place. His presence on the grid was marked by great tenacity.
4. Philippe Alliot
Philippe Alliot (Ligier) in 1990
Born in 1953, Alliot competed in 109 Grands Prix between 1984 and 1994, achieving a best performance of 5th place. A driver with a rich career, but whose podium remained a dream.
3. Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) in 2025
Born in 2000, Tsunoda participated in 111 Grands Prix between 2021 and 2025, with a best finish of 4th place. The Japanese driver is promising but still needs to refine his performances.
2. Pierluigi Martini
Pierluigi Martini (BMS Scuderia Italia) in 1992
Born in 1961, Martini raced in 118 Grands Prix between 1985 and 1995, achieving a best result of 4th place. A career that symbolizes determination in the ruthless world of F1.
1. Adrian Sutil
Adrian Sutil (Force India) in 2008
Born in 1983, Sutil participated in 128 Grands Prix between 2007 and 2014, with a best result of 4th place. A talented racer who never managed to cross the final step to the podium.
