F1 News
The numbers are in - Who has the most DNFs since the start of the hybrid era?
- GPblog.com
In 2014, the hybrid era started in Formula 1. Regulatory changes and the new V6 hybrid power unit upset the balance of power in motorsport's premier class and ushered in Mercedes' reign. But where there are winners you will find losers too. Which driver is the biggest victim of the hybrid era, with the most unfinished races?
View this post on Instagram
With 25 DNFs out of 100 Grands Prix, Fernando Alonso leads the list. The man who will try his luck with Alpine next season drove for Ferrari at the time, and from 2015 onwards he drove for McLaren.
Red Bull drivers high on the list
Holland's own Verstappen finished in third place. He joined Toro Rosso at the start of the hybrid era and has since recorded 24 DNFs. One less than Alonso, a fact that, combined with the higher number of starts for Verstappen, 118, brings his percentage below that of the Spaniard.
Also noteworthy are the high scores achieved by Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo, two drivers who, alongside Verstappen, have competed for Red Bull and Toro Rosso. It is no secret that Red Bull suffered from the Renault engine for a long time, especially since 2015. Although this does not entirely determine the number of DNFs of a driver, a failure does not always have a technical basis, it is striking that the three major players in Red Bull racing are so high on the list.
Mercedes
The percentage of unfinished races also appears to reflect Mercedes having provided the best material. Hamilton and Bottas are at the bottom of the list, with a failure rate of 6.5% and 5.1% respectively.