Most intense final-lap wins in Formula 1 history

There have been many instances of extremely close racing finishes in Formula 1, but there have been some particular races where the level of excitement during the last lap was unmatched. The last laps during such races resulted in world champions, careers being made or broken, and millions watching in awe and shock. There were some Formula 1 races where the element of pressure, changing weather conditions, and split-second decisions came together and created the most thrilling last lap of races. Here are six Formula 1 races that ended in some of the most electrifying finishes in the history of the sport.

These races ended up deciding world championships, completing amazing comebacks, and providing an array of stories. What was unique about these races was that they always came down to the last corner of the race with the result remaining undecided until then. This list features the top six most intense races ever held in Formula 1.

1. Brazilian Grand Prix, 2008 – Lewis Hamilton vs Timo Glock 

The 2008 title fight reached its peak at Interlagos. Lewis Hamilton needed to finish fifth to beat Felipe Massa to the championship. Massa had already won his home race and, for a few seconds, looked set to become champion.

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Then, on the last lap, Hamilton caught Timo Glock, who was struggling on dry tyres in worsening rain. Hamilton passed him in the final corners to take fifth place and secure his first title by one point.

2. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 2021 – Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton 

The 2021 season came to an end with both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton having equal points. The Safety Car came in late in the race, and Verstappen was able to pit for new soft tires, whereas Hamilton continued racing on used hard tires.

When the cars came back out and started racing for the final lap, Verstappen passed Hamilton on entering Turn 5. Hamilton attempted to fight back but could not get ahead of Verstappen again. Verstappen won the race and his first world championship in one of F1’s most debated finishes.

3. Canadian Grand Prix, 2011 – Jenson Button vs Sebastian Vettel 

The race at Montreal was an event that took over four hours to complete and involved heavy rain, six pit stops, and a drive-through penalty for Jenson Button.

In spite of everything going against him, Button managed to catch up to Sebastian Vettel, who was leading the race at that moment, in the last lap. Faced with pressure, Sebastian Vettel slid off at turn six. Button swept through and completed one of the greatest comeback wins in Formula 1 history.

4. Belgian Grand Prix, 2000 – Mika Häkkinen vs Michael Schumacher 

Häkkinen was chasing Schumacher at Spa-Francorchamps in a battle between two world champions.

It all happened on the Kemmel Straight where Häkkinen made great use of the back marker, Ricardo Zonta. Häkkinen passed one side of the BAR, while Schumacher passed the other side. It was an amazing move that allowed Häkkinen to get the lead.

5. Italian Grand Prix, 2020 – Pierre Gasly vs Carlos Sainz

Pierre Gasly started only 10th at Monza. A well-timed pit stop and a red flag moved him into the lead.

In the closing laps, Carlos Sainz Jr. charged hard and cut the gap rapidly. Gasly held his nerve and crossed the line just 0.415 seconds ahead to claim his first Formula 1 victory and complete a remarkable redemption story.

6. Hungarian Grand Prix, 2014 – Daniel Ricciardo vs Fernando Alonso 

Daniel Ricciardo had fresh tyres to work with and only a few laps left to go as he tried to catch up to Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

First, he overtook Hamilton, then set his sights on Alonso in the final two laps, making the crucial move and winning by a considerable margin.