Many Formula 1 drivers are lucky enough to have a grand prix in their native country and some have even enjoyed vast success at their home race.
Max Verstappen has three wins on Dutch turf, Alain Prost claimed six victories in France – two with French marque Renault – while Lewis Hamilton is a nine-time British Grand Prix winner.
The seven-time world champion even holds F1’s record for the most wins by a driver at the same grand prix.
But not everyone has enjoyed such luck at their home race, with some even losing a victory or podium in heartbreaking fashion.
Sometimes it’s through retirement caused by their own mistake, a disqualification or something completely different. Nevertheless, when has an F1 driver had a home race to forget in the cruellest of circumstances?
Nelson Piquet – 1982 Brazilian Grand Prix – Disqualified after winning
Nelson Piquet, Brabham BT49D Ford
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Nelson Piquet endured a lot of hard luck at the Brazilian GP early on, as the eventual triple world champion failed to finish inside the points for any of his first three home races. The then-Brabham driver thought he ended that run in 1982 when the reigning world champion crossed the line in first at Jacarepagua after one of the most intense races in history.
It saw several drivers suffer in the soaring temperatures, while Riccardo Patrese retired due to heat exhaustion. Piquet also struggled as he often propped his head on one hand, but the Brazilian was locked in a battle with Gilles Villeneuve and Keke Rosberg for the lead.
The local hero eventually came out on top, but Piquet soon had his first home victory taken away because an underweight BT49D disqualified him post-race – thrown out for its controversial water-cooled brakes which were eventually outlawed. He finally won in Brazil the following year en route to clinching a second world title, while Piquet won his home race again in 1986 – both times in Rio de Janeiro.
Damon Hill – 1993 British Grand Prix – Engine failure while leading
Marshals extinguish the smoking car of Damon Hill, Williams FW15C Renault.
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Damon Hill had a tough rookie season in 1992 as he was driving for Brabham, who failed to qualify for all but three of the races it entered. One grand prix it qualified for was Silverstone where Hill finished 16th, but a move to world champions Williams in 1993 saw him fighting at the front for his second home F1…
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