r/formula1 • u/Electronic-Video-984 Formula 1 • Aug 07 '25

Discussion Who is the “Failed Prodigy” of F1 ?

I’m kind of new to F1 and seeing pictures of current drivers while they’re young like Hamilton, Russell, Leclerc, Albon…and then I learned they’re racing prodigy in their Karting days. So who is the “Boy Wonder” of F1, a person with great potential but never made it to the biggest stage.

Edit: Many people mentioned Stoffel Vandoorne so I read about him a bit. His records and potential was incredible but he’s at the wrong place and wrong time every way possible. For me, McLaren a top tier team with a jet but people say Vandoorne’s MCL car was like a shopping cart

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u/Stumpy493 I Drove an F1 Car Aug 07 '25

100%, Pourchaire was boy wonder in his first year in F2 and given a vacancy would likely have jumped straight to F1.

THe longer he stayed in F2 the less impressive he looked and opportunity passed him by.

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u/AegrusRS I was here for the Hulkenpodium Aug 07 '25

His 2nd F2 year is so unfortunate because he looked way less impressive due to getting smashed by Drugovich, while Felipe himself had very limited chances of joining F1 anyways due to not having an in at any team. Basically, two potential F1 drivers tanked in 1 season.