P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Qualifying is seen as an important part of an F1 weekend, yet as these statistics imply, pole position isn’t a must.
Qualifying is considered pivotal in determining the outcome of an F1 race, but pole position is not always necessary for victory. Max Verstappen has demonstrated this, winning races from various grid positions. Memorable races have been won by drivers starting further back, such as Fernando Alonso’s victory from 11th in Valencia in 2012. However, some wins have been tarnished by scandal, like Alonso’s rise from 15th in Singapore in 2008, which was compromised by his teammate’s deliberate crash. Races won from 14th on the grid include Jenson Button in Hungary 2006 and Johnny Herbert for Stewart in Nurburgring 1999. Kimi Raikkonen’s victory from 17th in Japan 2005 and Rubens Barrichello’s win from 18th in Germany 2000 are also remarkable. The lowest grid position to win a race is 22nd, achieved by John Watson in the 1983 US Grand Prix West.
