The Drivers with the Most Race Starts for Williams Racing

With a new season on the horizon, there’s no better time to cast our minds back to the story we’ve already written.

Over the years, 56 drivers have made race starts for the team. Some came, saw, and conquered, while others left their mark in ways that can’t be measured in trophies alone.

Here’s a countdown of the drivers who’ve made the most race starts for us. Let’s take a trip through our history!

Kicking things off is the original Flying Finn. Keke Rosberg was our moustachioed maverick, making 62 starts between 1982 and 1985. Known for his flair and guts, he claimed five wins and 15 podiums during his time with us. Most notably, he became our second World Champion in 1982, without even needing multiple wins! (Seriously, it was a one-win season. Talk about efficiency.)

Damon Hill was a late bloomer when it came to F1, making his debut at the age of 31, but he certainly set about making up for lost time. Between 1993 and 1996 he chalked up 21 wins and 40 podiums. The cherry on top? His 1996 World Championship. Damon’s calm demeanour and relentless work ethic made him an inspirational figure.

Entering his fourth season with the team, Alex Albon has already racked up 66 starts and counting. While there have been no wins or podiums (yet), he has been instrumental in our rebuild. He’s scored points on 15 occasions since his 2022 arrival, and there’s plenty more still to come. There’s nothing like a bit of history in the making…

Fast, fearless and flamboyant, Juan Pablo Montoya never did anything by halves. Between 2001 and 2004 he took four wins and 23 podiums, following his switch from IndyCar. His bold moves and fiery temperament gave us some unforgettable moments. He didn’t just drive, he attacked the track.

Before he became a race winner and World Champion with Mercedes, Nico Rosberg cut his teeth with us from 2006 to 2009. While his 70 starts yielded no wins, he secured two podiums and showed plenty of promise. Nico was sharp, calculated and a key part of our journey through the late 2000s. Plus, he kept the Rosberg family legacy alive with style.

Ah, Valtteri. A calm and composed Finn who quietly became one of our most reliable drivers. Bottas notched nine podiums between 2013 and 2016, impressing with his consistency and raw speed. He might not have taken a win with us, but his solid performances helped put Williams back in the spotlight during the hybrid era’s early days.

The beloved Brazilian made 78 starts for us between 2014 and 2017. Felipe’s experience and heart brought a touch of magic to the team. His five podiums were a testament to his skill, but it was his passion for the sport that truly made him a favourite. Who could forget his emotional “farewell” at the 2016 Brazilian GP? Only for him to return for one more season in 2017!

A master of consistency, Riccardo Patrese was a cornerstone of our team from 1987 to 1992. He scored 4 wins and 24 podiums during his tenure, forming a formidable partnership with Nigel Mansell. With a career spanning two decades, Riccardo brought a mix of experience and reliability that helped us dominate in the early ‘90s.

Ralf Schumacher spent six years (1999 - 2004) with the team, notching 6 wins and 21 podiums. Ralf carved out his own legacy as a dependable and quick driver, with his contributions during the BMW-Williams era vital to our competitiveness. Plus, his smooth driving style was always a joy to watch.

Drumroll, please... topping our list is none other than “The Lion” himself, Nigel Mansell. With 28 wins and 43 podiums across 95 starts, Nigel is the epitome of Williams greatness. His aggressive, no-holds-barred driving style made him a fan favourite. Mansell Mania swept the nation during his 1992 World Championship success, one of our finest achievements. Our Nige, a true legend.

And there you have it! From moustaches to mavericks, and moustachioed mavericks, these 10 drivers have all shaped our history and given us memories to cherish. What stories will be written in 2025? You’ll have to stay tuned and find out…