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Formula 1 often receives a lot of criticism for its boring races that see the major constructor dominating the entire season with virtually no competition. Mercedes' commanding constructor championship wins from 2014 to 2017, Red Bulls' strong show in the early 2010s and Ferrari's dominance during the Michael Schumacher era all point to the same.
However, that is not always the case in Formula 1, the 2018 Formula 1 season is the prime example of that, with Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel poised to take the championship down the wire.
There are been several instances dotted in the long and illustrious history of Formula 1 that saw thrilling seasons filled jaw-dropping close races. Let us take a trip down the memory lane and look at the five closest finishes in Formula that feature race victories with a win margin less than 0.1 seconds.
#5 Jackie Stewart wins by 0.08 seconds - 1969 Italian Grand Prix
Austrian's Jochen Rindt took the pole, while Jackie Stewart started the Italian Grand Prix from the third place.
This was a pre-chicane Monza that featured highly competitive slipstream battles with frequent lead changes and the 1969 Italian Grand Prix was no different. With other front-runners Hill and Hulme suffering from mechanical troubles, the race was a four-way battle between Stewart, Rindt, Beltoise and Bruce McLaren.
Jackie Stewart conceded the lead to Rindt on the last lap but regained it to finish the race ahead of three drivers with a slender margin. The top-four drivers finished the race within 0.2 seconds behind the winner Stewart, and is regarded as one of the closest top-four in the history of Formula 1.
Not only was it the Briton's sixth win of the season, it was also his championship winning race. After his first championship in 1969, he would go on to win two more in 1971 and 1973.
Video: 1969 Italian GP highlights
#4 Elio de Angelis wins by 0.05 seconds - 1982 Austrian Grand Prix
Elio de Angelis' first Formula 1 win is easily the most memorable race of his career. Driving the Lotus-Ford, the Italian had a mediocre qualifying session that saw him start the race way off the polesitter Nelson Piquet.
The Brazilian and the race-favourite Alain Prost had early retirements due to mechanical and electrical failures, which left the door wide open to Angelis and Rosberg, both chasing their first Grand Prix win.
The Italian calmly held off the Finn and took the checkered flag just 0.05 seconds ahead of Keke Rosberg's Williams. This disappointment did not matter in the end as Rosberg went on to win the 1982 world championship.
Video: Battle between Elio de Angelis and Keke Rosberg
#3 Ayrton Senna beats Nigel Mansell by 0.014 seconds - 1986 Spanish Grand Prix
Driving the Lotus-Renault, Ayrton Senna had a brilliant qualifying session at Jerez that saw him finish on pole. His rival Nigel Mansell too had a very productive qualifying session that ensured that he would start the race from the second row in the third place.
The Brazilian had an exhilarating three-way battle for the race lead during the first half of the race. His consistent pace allowed him to build a comfortable lead during the latter half of the Grand Prix. However, Mansell's inspired drive after his pit-stop to close a massive gap assured a photo-finish in the 1986 Spanish Grand Prix.
Senna held onto his position despite the intense pressure from the Briton to take his first victory of the season.
Video: Senna vs Mansell at the 1986 Spanish GP
#2 Rubens Barrichello wins by 0.011 seconds, 2002 United States Grand Prix
Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello started the race from the front row after a dominating performance in qualifying. The race witnessed very little action at the top of the grid with the Ferrari cars leading almost the entire race.
The German led Barrichello at the start of the last lap and held his ground for almost the entire race. However, on the final straight, just before the finish line, the Brazilian gained massive ground on Schumacher and edged past him over the finish line to take his fourth victory of the season.
Many saw this as Ferrari and Schumacher returning the favour to the Brazilian after he let his teammate win the Austrian Grand Prix earlier in the season. No matter what, this race like the Austrian GP was marred by controversy.
Video: Photo-finish by Ferrari
#1 Peter Gethin wins by 0.01 seconds - 1971 Italian Grand Prix
After the iconic 1969 Italian Grand Prix that saw Jackie Stewart edge past Jochen Rindt, there was another close finish at Monza during the 1971 season.
Peter Gethin started the race from the 11th place after a lacklustre qualifying session. The race featured a high-speed group, which contained over five drivers battling for the top spot. The Briton driving the BRM struck with the lead group throughout the duration of the race and was fourth during the last lap. A brilliant exit from the Parabolica saw Gethin lead the pack all the way to the checkered flag to pick up the only win of his Formula 1 career.
Moreover, the top-five contestants saw the checkered flag within 0.61 seconds of the race leader. Mike Hailwood finished in the fourth place after starting the race from the back of the grid in the 17th place.
Video: Peter Gethin's final flourish to victory
