Since its conception in 1950, there have been 993 heart-pounding F1 races over 68 years. Over these years, 853 drivers from 40 different countries have started a Formula One race, but who has the most starts?
4. Kimi Raikkonen
For a start to be counted, a driver must have lined up on the grid or pit lane exit at the time of the race start. Raikkonen, also known as the ‘Ice Man’ made his debut in 2001 and has since started 288 races. We will see him again in the 2019 season, so keep an eye out!
3. Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher
You may think we have missed a number, but the German F1 legend Michael Schumacher and British driver Jenson Button both started 306 races throughout their careers. Schumacher is possibly best known for the unheard of success of winning five consecutive championships and he was ranked amongst the top 10 F1 drivers of all time prior to his retirement in 2012. Button’s taste of fame came when he won the Drivers’ Championship in 2009. He retired from Formula One in 2017.
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2. Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso, who plans to retire at the end of the 2018 season, narrowly overtook Schumacher and Button with 308 starts. Throughout his career, he has taken part in 17 Formula One seasons and participated in the 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Indianapolis 500.
1. Rubens Barrichello
Coming in first place is Rubens Barrichello. The Brazilian driver made his debut in 1993, won 11 races and finished on the podium 68 times throughout his 18-year career in Formula One. In this time, he accumulated 322 race starts, currently the highest number for any driver. With his main competitors announcing their retirement in the near future, this looks set to be a title he may keep for a while longer!