The 2019 German Grand Prix delivered an unforgettable spectacle of Formula 1 racing, marked by chaotic conditions, stunning upsets, and a cascade of broken records. Amidst the spray and drama at Hockenheim, one veteran driver’s incredible journey reached a poignant milestone, while a young phenom continued to defy conventional statistics. This race wasn’t just a test of skill but a testament to perseverance and opportunistic brilliance, creating a statistical tapestry that will be remembered for years to come.
At the heart of the weekend’s most emotional narrative was Robert Kubica, who etched his name into the annals of Formula 1 history by breaking a long-standing record that had endured for over five decades. Through a combination of grit on track and crucial post-race penalties applied to the two Alfa Romeo drivers, Kubica was ultimately promoted to a points-scoring position, securing the final point of the race. This remarkable achievement marked his first points finish since his highly anticipated return to the pinnacle of motorsport, a comeback story that had already captivated fans globally.
Support RaceFans and go ad-free
The significance of Kubica’s point cannot be overstated. His last appearance in the points had been at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a staggering eight years and 258 days prior. This colossal gap between consecutive points scores shattered the previous record set by Belgian driver Lucien Bianchi in 1968. Bianchi’s record stood at seven years and 342 days, spanning his points finishes at the 1960 Belgian Grand Prix and the 1968 Monaco Grand Prix. Kubica’s achievement therefore wasn’t just a personal triumph but a monumental moment in F1’s rich historical context, symbolizing one of the most remarkable comebacks in sports history following a career-threatening injury. It underscored his unwavering dedication and resilience, providing a much-needed morale boost for himself and his team.
Lucien Bianchi’s record-setting 1968 Monaco Grand Prix also saw him achieve his career’s sole podium finish. Tragically, Bianchi’s life was cut short in a testing crash the following year. His great-nephew, Jules Bianchi, would later also suffer a fatal crash in Formula 1 in 2015, adding a poignant and somber note to the family’s intertwined history with the sport.
For the Williams team, Kubica’s solitary point was a vital lifeline, representing their first championship point of the season. This meant that for the fourth consecutive year, every single team competing in the championship managed to score at least one point. The last team to complete a season without registering a point was Jules Bianchi’s former team, Marussia, back in 2015. Kubica’s point, therefore, carried weight far beyond its numerical value, providing a glimmer of hope and validation for the struggling British outfit amidst a challenging season.
While Kubica’s story was one of enduring perseverance, Max Verstappen continued to extend his own set of unusual records with another dominant victory. The Red Bull driver secured his seventh career win at the German Grand Prix, placing him alongside esteemed names like Rene Arnoux, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Daniel Ricciardo in terms of win count. What truly sets Verstappen apart, however, is that unlike all these drivers – and indeed, every other driver who has secured more than four Grand Prix victories – he has never once started from pole position. This statistical anomaly highlights Verstappen’s exceptional racecraft, his uncanny ability to perform under pressure, and his talent for seizing opportunities, particularly in variable or chaotic race conditions.
Support RaceFans: Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free
Verstappen’s unique record was further underscored by the fact that the German Grand Prix marked his seventh time starting from second place without ever having clinched a pole position. His performance was not just about the win; he also claimed the fastest lap of the race, the sixth of his career. This achievement places him in a distinguished group of drivers, now level with legendary figures such as Jose Froilan Gonzalez, Mike Hawthorn, Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Emerson Fittipaldi, Carlos Reutemann, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. Verstappen’s prowess in various race conditions and his consistently strong finishes, even from non-pole starting positions, cement his reputation as one of the most exciting and formidable talents on the grid.
Joining Verstappen on the podium was Sebastian Vettel, who delivered an extraordinary recovery drive in his home Grand Prix. Starting from the very back of the grid, Vettel navigated the challenging conditions with masterful precision, climbing an astounding 18 places throughout the race. This remarkable ascent was just one position shy of the maximum possible with the 20-car grid configuration of the modern era, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination to salvage points from what initially appeared to be a lost weekend for Ferrari.
The third and final spot on the podium went to Daniil Kvyat, marking the third podium finish of his career. Kvyat’s return to the rostrum was another emotional narrative of the weekend. His last podium appearance dated back to the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix, just one race before he was controversially demoted by Red Bull. After a period of flux and a return to the sport with Toro Rosso, Kvyat had endured a wait of three years and 102 days to stand on the podium once more. This significant gap, while substantial, still places him well short of the record held by Alexander Wurz, who famously went seven years and 285 days between his podium finishes at Silverstone in 1997 and Imola in 2005 (though Wurz’s 2005 podium was awarded retrospectively after Jenson Button’s disqualification).
Kvyat’s achievement was also a momentous occasion for the Toro Rosso team. This was only the second podium finish in the team’s entire 258-race history. The other, of course, was Vettel’s sensational and unexpected victory for them at Monza in 2008, a result that propelled him onto the world stage. Kvyat’s podium at Hockenheim therefore represented a rare and cherished success for the junior Red Bull squad, reinforcing their capability to perform in adverse conditions and reminding everyone of Kvyat’s undeniable talent.
Beyond the podium, Racing Point also celebrated their best finish of the season, securing an impressive fourth place thanks to a strong drive from Lance Stroll. Stroll’s performance was particularly notable as he briefly led the race at one stage. However, due to the nuances of official lap charting, he was never formally recorded as a lap leader, as Verstappen managed to pass him before he crossed the start/finish line at the head of the field. Despite this technicality, it was a stellar result for Racing Point, demonstrating their potential in variable conditions and their ability to capitalize on the chaos that defined the German Grand Prix.
Finally, the German Grand Prix also marked a significant milestone for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, as they competed in their 200th F1 race start. This illustrious history has seen them achieve an astounding 96 victories so far, meaning they have won almost half of all the races they have entered. Despite their numerical dominance and Lewis Hamilton setting his 87th career pole position at the start of the weekend, the team ultimately came away from their home race with a relatively meager haul of just two points for Hamilton’s ninth-place finish. This uncharacteristic struggle highlighted the unpredictable nature of the wet conditions and proved that even the most dominant teams can be caught out by the unique challenges of Formula 1 racing, serving as a reminder that every Grand Prix presents its own set of hurdles and opportunities.
Support RaceFans and enjoy an ad-free experience: Become a RaceFans supporter
For those eager to delve deeper into the statistical intricacies of the 2019 season, review the year so far in statistics here:
- 2019 F1 championship points
- 2019 F1 season records
- 2019 F1 race data
- 2019 F1 qualifying data
- 2019 F1 retirements and penalties
- 2019 F1 strategy and pit stops
The 2019 German Grand Prix was a race that defied expectations, rewrote history, and provided a rich narrative of human endeavor and sporting drama. From Kubica’s record-breaking point to Verstappen’s unique path to victory, and Kvyat’s emotional return to the podium, it was a race that showcased the unpredictable brilliance of Formula 1. Have you spotted any other interesting stats and facts from this truly extraordinary Grand Prix? Share them in the comments below.
Support RaceFans and go ad-free to enhance your experience.
2019 German Grand Prix
- 2019 German Grand Prix Star Performers
- Top ten pictures from the 2019 German Grand Prix
- Verstappen spins and wins Mercedes’ race
- Paddock Diary: German Grand Prix day four
- Kubica sets new record by ending eight-year wait for points
Browse all 2019 German Grand Prix articles