Formula One is pretty much as exciting as it gets when it comes to motorsports. With over 1,000 races to look back on, there have been many jaw-dropping moments. But these wild finishes were beyond any other moments in F1 history—taking unforgettable to the next level.
1985 San Marino Grand Prix
The 1985 edition of the San Marino Grand Prix was a grueling one for drivers, who kept the pace even more breakneck than usual. This caused problems with regards to fuel consumption—problemswhich even struck the normally-unstoppable Ayrton Senna, who was passed on the 57th lap by Stefan Johansson.
And he wasn’t the only one affected by the conditions of the race.
Johansson’s lead didn’t last for long, as he also ran dry. That left Alain Prost in the lead, who handily passed the checkered flag…only for his car to also stop in its tracks—meaning he was just seconds away from losing the race. The car in third, driven by Thierry Boutsen, ran out of fuel close to the finish line, so he got out and pushed it across the finish line—an appropriately screwball finish to a madcap race.
Early in the race, on the seventh lap, Giancarlo Fisichella entered the pits for a refuel and tires. People thought it was a strange choice—but little did they know, the Jordan team had a plan. It was an incredibly risky one, but it paid off.
During the pit stop, Fisichella’s tank was filled to a level that would get him 75% through the race. They were betting that the race would end early. They were playing with fire, but they also knew the track. There was a crash from Mark Webber, and the debris ended up taking out Fernando Alonso, stopping the race. But the Jordan team got more than they bargained for.
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