Formula 1 is renowned for its intense, wheel-to-wheel competition where every fraction of a second is crucial. However, there are occasions when races conclude with a significantly large gap between the victor and the rest of the field. A recent example from 2025 saw McLaren driver Oscar Piastri clinch his third successive win at the Miami Grand Prix. He finished a substantial 37.644 seconds ahead of the highest-placed car not from McLaren. Although his teammate Lando Norris was relatively close behind, the difference to George Russell in third place was considerable.
Throughout the storied past of Formula 1, numerous races have featured astonishing gaps between the car that finished first and the one in second place. Below is a list highlighting some of the most remarkable winning margins recorded over the years:
- Dan Gurney, one lap, 4`31.1, 1962 French Grand Prix
- Jackie Stewart, two laps, 3`59.6, 1969 Spanish Grand Prix
- Denny Hulme, one lap, 3`12.6, 1967 Monaco Grand Prix
- Juan Manuel Fangio, one lap, 3`01.2, 1954 Italian Grand Prix
- Damon Hill, two laps, 2`55.713, 1995 Australian Grand Prix
- Alberto Ascari, one lap, 2`48, 1952 British Grand Prix
- Fangio, one lap, 2`46.5, 1950 Monaco Grand Prix
- Alberto Ascari, one lap, 2`42.6, 1953 Argentine Grand Prix
- Elio de Angelis, one lap, 2`41.183, 1985 San Marino Grand Prix
- Jackie Stewart, one lap, 2`36.1, 1969 British Grand Prix
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood