rainmeister

Fuji Speedway · 1976

Fuji 1976 is the gold standard. Visibility was nearly zero, the track was a river, and the championship hung in the balance. Lauda pulled out after two laps because he genuinely feared for his life – and who could blame him after what happened at the Nürburgring. Hunt somehow kept it together through the monsoon, dropped to fifth at one point, then recovered to third. Andretti drove a brilliant race to win. The conditions were so bad that several other drivers also retired. Absolutely gripping from start to finish.

Donington Park · 1993

If you want to show someone what a rain master looks like, show them Donington 1993. Senna was operating on a completely different level to everyone else. The opening lap alone – P4 to P1, passing three world champions on a soaking track – would be enough to make this a legendary race. But then he kept pulling away. And pulling away. Four stops for tires, a minute ahead at the end. In a car that was clearly slower in the dry. The rain was Senna's equalizer and he used it to produce the greatest drive of all time.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps · 1998

Spa in the wet is always spectacular but 1998 surpassed even its own standards. The opening lap pileup was massive. Then the conditions kept catching drivers out throughout the race. The Schumacher-Coulthard collision was the headline, but the real story is Jordan. A small Irish team with limited budget getting a 1-2 at one of the most demanding circuits in the world, in treacherous wet conditions. Hill's experience in the rain was crucial, and Ralf drove a very mature race to hold second. Pure Spa magic.

Hungaroring · 2006

The Hungaroring is usually a procession in the dry, but add rain and it transforms. The 2006 race was a perfect example – changing conditions throughout kept everyone guessing on tire strategy. Räikkönen was quickest but his McLaren let him down. Button inherited the lead and managed the conditions beautifully for his long-awaited first win. Proof that the Hungaroring can produce great races when the weather cooperates.

Hockenheimring · 2019

Hockenheim 2019 is the perfect argument for why F1 should always race in the rain. The constantly changing conditions created genuine uncertainty – nobody knew who would end up where. The track went from damp to soaking to drying to soaking again. Drivers who excel in the wet shone – Verstappen was imperious, Vettel was inspired. Those who struggled paid the price – Hamilton, Leclerc, Bottas all had moments. Six safety cars, unexpected podium finishers, and a result nobody could have predicted. Glorious.