Formula 1 is renowned for its intense, high-speed competition, where outcomes are often decided by mere fractions of a second. However, sometimes a dominant performance leads to a finish where the gap between cars is anything but close. A recent instance highlighting this occurred in the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, where McLaren driver Oscar Piastri secured his third consecutive win. While his teammate Lando Norris finished relatively close behind, Piastri`s margin over the third-place competitor was significant, showcasing how substantial leads can still happen in modern F1.
Throughout the extensive history of Formula 1, there have been numerous races resulting in remarkable time differences between the winning car and the runner-up. These victories stand out due to the sheer dominance displayed by the winner. Here are some of the most significant margins of victory recorded over the years:
- Dan Gurney: one lap, 4 minutes 31.1 seconds at the 1962 French Grand Prix
- Jackie Stewart: two laps, 3 minutes 59.6 seconds at the 1969 Spanish Grand Prix
- Denny Hulme: one lap, 3 minutes 12.6 seconds at the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix
- Juan Manuel Fangio: one lap, 3 minutes 01.2 seconds at the 1954 Italian Grand Prix
- Damon Hill: two laps, 2 minutes 55.713 seconds at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix
- Alberto Ascari: one lap, 2 minutes 48 seconds at the 1952 British Grand Prix
- Juan Manuel Fangio: one lap, 2 minutes 46.5 seconds at the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix
- Alberto Ascari: one lap, 2 minutes 42.6 seconds at the 1953 Argentine Grand Prix
- Elio de Angelis: one lap, 2 minutes 41.183 seconds at the 1985 San Marino Grand Prix
- Jackie Stewart: one lap, 2 minutes 36.1 seconds at the 1969 British Grand Prix
