Most recent F1 races without Mercedes or Red Bull on the podium

Red Bull and Mercedes have dominated the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in recent seasons. The two teams have won every crown since the start of 2010. In that time, there have been only 17 races in which none of the two teams’ drivers finished on the podium. We take a look at the most recent examples!

2024 Australian Grand Prix

The 2024 Australian Grand Prix was the first Formula 1 race in almost four years not to feature a Red Bull or Mercedes driver finishing on the podium. Of the two teams’ four drivers, Sergio Perez – who finished fifth – was the only one to cross the finish line. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton retired with mechanical troubles, while George Russell crashed out on the final lap of the race.

The race was won by Carlos Sainz, who led home Charles Leclerc in Ferrari’s first 1-2 result in almost two years. They were joined on the podium by McLaren’s Lando Norris.

2020 Sakhir Grand Prix

Before 2024, the last race to feature neither Mercedes nor Red Bull in the top three positions was the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. The Sakhir Grand Prix was held on the outer loop layout of Bahrain International Circuit and was notable for featuring George Russell in a Mercedes, deputising for Lewis Hamilton who had tested positive for coronavirus.

While Mercedes locked out the front row, things fell apart in the race due to botched pit stops by the team. It left Valtteri Bottas down in 8th and Russell only 9th having led the majority of the race. At Red Bull, Max Verstappen was eliminated in a first lap collision while Alex Albon finished sixth.

The podium was made up of two Racing Point drivers and Renault’s Esteban Ocon, in what would be the final podium appearances for both team names. While Sergio Perez recorded his first victory in 190 starts and the first for a Mexican driver in over fifty years , Lance Stroll made it the first podium to feature both of the Silverstone-based team’s cars since the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix.

2020 Italian Grand Prix

The 2020 Italian Grand Prix was the first Formula 1 race in over seven years to feature neither Mercedes nor Red Bull in any of the podium places. Lewis Hamilton had been comfortably leading the race until receiving a drive-through penalty for entering the pit lane when it was closed.

Amid the melee of a red flag – caused by a heavy crash for Charles Leclerc – it was Pierre Gasly who emerged as the surprise winner. He secured the Red Bull junior team’s second victory, 12 years after Sebastian Vettel had secured their first at the same venue. The podium was completed by Carlos Sainz – who finished less than half a second behind Gasly – and Lance Stroll. All three podium finishers celebrated their second podium results.

Of the Mercedes and Red Bulls, Valtteri Bottas was the top finisher in fifth place. Hamilton finished seventh following his penalty, while neither Red Bull driver scored. Alex Albon finished only 15th, while Max Verstappen failed to reach the chequered flag.

2013 Spanish Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso claimed his most recent Formula 1 victory at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix. The race remains one of the most recent at which neither Mercedes nor Red Bull featured in the top three. Alonso was joined on the podium by Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa, in third place, and Kimi Raikkonen, who finished as runner-up with Lotus.

The Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber finished in fourth and fifth respectively, while Nico Rosberg finished behind them in sixth and Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton managed only 12th.

2012 Brazilian Grand Prix

Who can forget the incredible title showdown between Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix? Though Vettel emerged victorious in the battle for a third world title, the German did not feature in the top three positions. Nor did team-mate Mark Webber, who finished fourth.

Instead, the podium places were made up of race winner Jenson Button, championship runner-up Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, who was making his final appearance with McLaren. The 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix was the last race before Hamilton joined the Mercedes team. At the Brackley-based outfit, Nico Rosberg finished a lap down in a lowly 15th, while Michael Schumacher came home seventh on his final Formula 1 outing.

2012 Italian Grand Prix

The 2012 Italian Grand Prix is the race at which Eddie Jordan broke the news of Lewis Hamilton’s expected move from McLaren to Mercedes for the 2013 season. Despite the off-track headlines, Hamilton secured victory for McLaren in the race and was joined on the podium by Sauber’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.

While both Red Bull drivers retired from the race, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg finished sixth and seventh respectively for Mercedes.

Every race since 2010 which did not feature Mercedes or Red Bull on the podium

Below is a list of every race since the beginning of the 2010 season which did not feature any Mercedes or Red Bull drivers on the podium.

^{This article was originally published in August 2023 and has since been updated.}