Who has won an F1 grand prix from the furthest back on the grid?

The 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix witnessed Max Verstappen deliver a champion-like performance that put him on the cusp of a fourth consecutive Formula 1 world title. 

Verstappen won from 17th as a disastrous qualifying saw him finish 12th, before an engine change penalty dropped him five places. 

But the Red Bull driver delivered a masterclass in the wet to extend his lead over second-placed Lando Norris to 62 points with 86 left available. 

Nobody has won a grand prix from so far back since the 2005 Japanese GP, so where does Verstappen’s win stand in the history books?

22nd – John Watson, 1983 United States Grand Prix West

John Watson holds F1’s record for winning a grand prix from the furthest back on the grid, having started 22nd at the 1983 United States GP West.

It was the second round of the season and anger had already kicked off pre-qualifying as teams and drivers were unhappy at the slightly modified Long Beach circuit, which had bumps in the parts that connected the old and new layout. 

Teams were therefore concerned about their suspensions but the problems went deeper for Watson, who struggled with his Michelin tyres in qualifying. He wasn’t the only big name to suffer a poor session though, as team-mate Niki Lauda lined up one place behind.

But with a full load of fuel onboard, both McLaren cars were able to quickly generate heat into their tyres and after Lauda overtook Watson at race start, the pair progressed through the field in tandem as their pace was unstoppable. 

By lap 28, they were third and fourth before Watson overtook Lauda at the end of Shoreline Drive. At this point, the Northern Irishman was 20 seconds off the front which saw a thrilling battle between leader Jacques Laffite and Riccardo Patrese.

However, Patrese slid off as he attempted an overtake, allowing the McLarens through before Watson and Lauda quickly moved past Laffite, who had problems with his tyres.

So McLaren was now remarkably 1-2 and as Lauda struggled with leg cramp in the closing stages, he failed to challenge Watson who claimed a sensational victory that was the fifth and final win of his F1 career – which Autosport also listed as his greatest race.

19th – Bill Vukovich,1954 Indianapolis 500 

Bill Vukovich, Kurtis-Kraft

Photo by: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Though not technically classified as a grand prix, the…