Reevaluating the Record Holders for Most Grand Prix Starts Without a Podium in Formula 1
In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 British Grand Prix, Nico Hulkenberg broke a long-standing record by finishing third, ending his streak of 239 race starts without reaching the podium. The German driver’s strategic pit stops during a rainy Silverstone race proved pivotal, allowing him to capitalize on missteps by competitors and secure his first top-three finish after years of perseverance.
Hulkenberg’s journey in Formula 1 began with high expectations in 2010, shortly after clinching the GP2 championship with Fred Vasseur’s ART Grand Prix team. Despite the early promise, his career has largely been characterized by battles in the midfield, with a notable absence of full-time drives from 2020 to 2022. Nonetheless, his recent achievement underscores the unpredictable nature of racing and the importance of strategic execution.
Drivers Who Have Racked Up the Most Starts Without a Podium
Adrian Sutil – 128 Grand Prix Appearances
Active Years: 2007-2011; 2013-2014
Teams: Spyker, Force India, Sauber
Race Entries: 128
Highest Finish: Fourth place at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix

Adrian Sutil, driving for Spyker during the 2007 Canadian GP
Photo credit: Ercole Colombo
Throughout his career, Sutil demonstrated resilience and consistency, competing in seven seasons and often outperforming expectations. Despite never securing a podium finish, he came remarkably close on several occasions, especially in 2009. His best results included a second-place qualifying at the Nürburgring, which was ultimately thwarted by a collision and subsequent pit stop mishap, and a fourth-place finish at Monza, where he pressured the leading drivers but fell just short of the podium.
His final shot at a top-three finish was at Interlagos in Brazil, where he qualified third but was involved in a first-lap collision that ended his race prematurely. Sutil’s career highlights extend beyond F1, notably winning the 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours with BMW, showcasing his versatility as a racing driver.
Pierluigi Martini – 119 Grand Prix Starts
Active Years: 1984-1985; 1988-1995
Teams: Toleman, Minardi, Scuderia Italia
Race Entries: 119
Best Results: Fourth at the 1991 San Marino and Portuguese Grands Prix

Pierluigi Martini, representing Minardi during his career
Photo credit: Motorsport Images
Martini became a symbol of the underdog spirit in F1, racing primarily for the small-budget Minardi team. His career was marked by moments of luck and perseverance rather than podium finishes. Notably, he led the 1989 Portuguese GP for a lap due to strategic decisions, and in 1991, he narrowly missed a podium at Imola and Estoril, finishing fourth in both races. Despite limited machinery and resources, Martini’s tenacity made him a fan favorite and a testament to the grit required to compete at the highest level.
His career also included success in sports car racing, including victories at Le Mans, highlighting his broad talent across motorsport disciplines.
Philippe Alliot – 109 Grand Prix Starts
Active Years: 1984-1990; 1993-1994
Teams: RAM, Ligier, Larrousse, McLaren
Race Entries: 109
Best Result: Fifth at the 1993 San Marino GP

Philippe Alliot during his stint with Ligier
Photo credit: Ercole Colombo
Known for his role as a consistent backmarker, Alliot’s career was characterized by steady participation rather than podium aspirations. His best race result was a fifth-place finish at Imola in 1993, achieved largely due to retirements ahead of him. Interestingly, he holds the record for the most F1 starts without ever leading a lap, underscoring his position as a dedicated driver who often competed in less competitive machinery. His brief appearance as a stand-in for McLaren in 1994 ended prematurely due to mechanical issues, but his overall career was decorated with success in endurance racing, including multiple wins at Le Mans.
Yuki Tsunoda – 99 Grand Prix Starts and Counting
Active Years: 2021 – present
Teams: AlphaTauri, Red Bull Racing
Race Entries: 99
Best Result: Fourth at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP

Yuki Tsunoda competing for Red Bull in 2025
Photo credit: Andy Hone / LAT Images via Getty Images
Currently the youngest on this list, Tsunoda has yet to reach the podium despite nearly a century of starts. His debut in 2021 with AlphaTauri was marked by a steep learning curve, often outpaced by teammate Pierre Gasly and struggling with consistency. His career-best finish was a fourth place at Yas Marina, but he has not been in a position to challenge for top honors since. The promotion to Red Bull in 2025 raised hopes of a breakthrough, yet Tsunoda continues to fight in the midfield, battling for points rather than podiums. His ambition remains high, with aspirations to finally stand on the top step of the podium in the near future.
Pedro Diniz – 98 Grand Prix Starts
Active Years: 1995-2000
Teams: Forti, Ligier, Arrows, Sauber
Race Entries: 98
Best Results: Fifth at the 1997 Luxembourg GP and 1998 Belgian GP

Pedro Diniz during a race for Forti
Photo credit: Motorsport Images
Pedro Diniz’s career was often associated with sponsorship-driven entries, earning him the label of a “pay driver.” Despite this, he competed in nearly a hundred races, with his best results being two fifth-place finishes. His career highlights include strong performances at Spa and the Nurburgring, but he was never in contention for a podium due to the competitiveness of his machinery. After leaving F1, Diniz transitioned into management, acquiring a stake in the Prost team, and found success in endurance racing, including victories at Le Mans.
Conclusion: The Unpredictability of Racing and the Value of Persistence
The stories of these drivers exemplify that reaching the podium in Formula 1 is a challenge that extends beyond mere talent. Factors such as team resources, strategic decisions, and sometimes sheer luck play crucial roles. While some, like Hulkenberg, have recently broken long-standing records, others have demonstrated resilience despite limited opportunities. Their careers serve as a reminder that perseverance and strategic acumen can eventually lead to historic moments, even after numerous setbacks.