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Formula 1 has seen several close finishes throughout the years. The motorsport has witnessed heated rivalries, terrifying crashes and delightful overtaking manoeuvres. We take a page out of the history books to take a look back into some of the most memorable and closest battles for the F1 drivers’ championship.
#1 2007- Kimi Raikkonen
The 2007 F1 season was one of the closest finishes in F1 history. Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen were all in contention for the drivers championship. Heading into the final Grand Prix in Brazil, Hamilton was ahead with 107 points. Alonso was second with 103 points and Raikkonen third with 100 points.
The favourite, Hamilton, suffered a gearbox problem and could only finish seventh. Alonso finished third while Raikkonen took the chequered flag to finish on 110 points. The Finntook the title by a single pointas Hamilton and Alonso finished on 109 points each.
#2 2008- Lewis Hamilton
The 2008 F1 season carried on the drama from the previous season. However this time, it was Lewis Hamilton and Felippe Massa in the running for the championship. Hamilton was seven points ahead of Massa heading into the final Grand Prix.
Hamilton needed to finish fifth if Massa were to win the race. Hamilton was overtaken by Fernando Alonso and Felippe Massa won the race to temporarily go ahead in the standings. However, much to the agony of the Brazilian, Hamilton was able to overtake Timo Glock on the last lap to finish fifth and win the title by one point.
#3 1994- Michael Schumacher
The 1994 season had one of the most controversial endings in F1 history. Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were neck-to-neck for the title with the German ahead by one point before the final race of the season.
On lap 35 of the race, Schumacher brushed against the wall and appeared to have damaged his car. Hill saw an opportunity to make the most of the situation and overtake Schumacher. However, as Hills car came alongside the Benetton of Schumacher, The German took an aggressive turn which resulted in contact. Both the drivers had to retire which meant Schumacher winning his first F1 championship by one point.
#4 1976- James Hunt
The 1976 season was glorified due to the rivalry of defending champion Niki Lauda and James Hunt. The season was heavily involved in controversies with disqualifications, crashes and overturned appeals.
Lauda held a three-point lead over Hunt going into the final race in Japan. Unfortunately, bad weather hit the track and Lauda gave up due to hazardous conditions. Hunt managed to finish third and take the title by just one point.
#5 1984- Niki Lauda
The 1984 season saw the closest championship battle in F1 history. McLarens Alain Prost and Niki Lauda battled for the drivers title. As Prost was considerably faster, Laude had to change his race strategy in order to collect as many points in a race when Prost had retired. The Monaco Grand Prix was finished early due to a red flag and drivers were awarded half the points they would normally get.
In the final race of the season, Prost took the chequered flag to finish on 71.5points. However, Lauda managed to get a second placed finish the season on 72 points. Lauda took the title from his teammate by half a point.
