F1 is a sport that changes the outcome in fractions of seconds. Over the decades, countless races have been decided by shortest margin wins of F1. Sometimes, these razor-thin finishes haven’t only determined the outcome of the race but also served as a crucial factor in the change of championship standings. In this article, we will look back at the 4 shortest margin wins of F1.
4 Shortest Margin Wins Of F1
Italian Grand Prix 1971: 0.01 Seconds
Monza’s iconic high-speed straights have always been a worthwhile experience for fans and experts alike. However, none of them were nearly as dramatic as the Italian Grand Prix 1971. The race remains the shortest margin wins of F1 in history. Peter Gethin edged out Ronnie Peterson by just 0.01 seconds. The top five drivers crossed the line within 0.061 seconds of each other in a historic finish. But for Gethin, it was the only victory of his career. Imagine being so iconic that the only race you ever win goes down in history.
Italian Grand Prix 1969: 0.08 Seconds
Monza played again and hosted one of the shortest margin wins of F1 in 1969. The race was nothing short of spectacular, with the lead changing hands multiple times with each lap. Jackie Stewart ultimately won the race, crossing the finish line just 0.08 seconds ahead of Jochen Rindt. The top four drivers finished within two-tenths of a second, showcasing the unique layout of Monza that never disappoints.
United States Grand Prix: 0.011 Seconds
The prime example of the shortest margin wins of F1 is the United States Grand Prix 2002. It is also a testament to how team orders and controversy shape the outcome of the race. Michael Schumacher dominated the race and attempted to have a dead-heat finish with his Ferrari teammate, Rubens Barrichello. However, Barrichello managed to sneak ahead at the last moment, winning by just 0.011 seconds.
Spanish Grand Prix 1986: 0.014 Seconds
The Spanish Grand Prix 1986 at Jerez produced another unforgettable shortest margin win of F1. Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell fought a race-long battle. Mansell, with fresh tires, hunted down Senna, erasing a 20-second gap in the final laps. The two cars hustled towards the finish line side by side; however, Senna ultimately won the race by just 0.014 seconds, showcasing a classic blend of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower.
