Can Lewis Hamilton match any of these great comeback victories in Belgium?

26 August 2016 11:23

Lewis Hamilton has his work cut out to win Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix after incurring a 15-place grid penalty for an engine change.

Indeed the British driver has never won a race starting lower than sixth, while no driver in Formula One history has won from the back of the pack.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at the five best wins from the furthest back on the grid.

John Watson (McLaren) 1983 United States Grand Prix

The Northern Irishman holds the record for winning a grand prix from the lowest starting position after qualifying 22nd of the 26 runners. Watson, a five-time Formula One winner, stormed through the field in dry conditions at Long Beach to win by nearly 28 seconds. Watson finished ahead of his McLaren team-mate Niki Lauda, who had started one place behind him.

Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari) 2000 Hungarian Grand Prix

Barrichello started in only 18th, but was up to 10th at the end of a chaotic first lap which saw pole-sitter Michael Schumacher crash out. The Brazilian had progressed to fifth when a protester stormed the Hockenheim circuit and the safety car was deployed. On lap 33, light rain began to fall, but Barrichello opted against pitting for wet tyres. He stayed out on track and assumed the lead from McLaren's Mika Hakkinen before taking the chequered flag.

John Watson (McLaren) 1982 Detroit Grand Prix

Watson's name appears on this list for a second time after another exceptional victory, this time from 17th on the grid. On lap 33, Watson incredibly passed Didier Pironi, Eddie Cheever and Niki Lauda in one swoop to claim second. Keke Rosberg was 12 seconds ahead, but Watson passed him only four laps later before cruising to his fourth win.

Kimi Raikkonen (McLaren) 2005 Japanese Grand Prix

After lining up in 17th, Raikkonen turned in what is arguably the finest drive of his career. After passing Schumacher on lap 28, an inspired Raikkonen then leapfrogged Mark Webber and Jenson Button in the pits to move into second. Raikkonen was bearing down on leader Giancarlo Fisichella at a second a lap before swooping round the Italian on the final lap to cap a majestic display.

Michael Schumacher (Benetton) 1995 Belgian Grand Prix

Twenty-one years ago, Schumacher delivered an inspired display to roar back from 16th en route to sealing his second title in as many years. Schumacher started way down the order following a wet-dry qualifying session, but was soon battling Damon Hill for the lead. The rivals exchanged places in the inclement conditions before the German took charge of the race following the final round of pit stops to seal a remarkable win.

Source: PA