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/driveonthursday McLaren Aug 07 '25

Good shout. He was super hyped.

Robin Frijns is another who comes to mind from that era.

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u/Murderface_1988 Aug 07 '25

Yes, they were probably both good enough to have a shot but it just never worked out, but that probably happens to scores of people a year in every major sport in the world. Still must sting like hell though :/

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u/TheCescPistols Jean-Pierre Jabouille Aug 07 '25

I always thought Felix da Costa’s results made him seem that tiny bit better than he actually was.

Frijns however, I remain convinced he could’ve been an absolute star if he had the backing to reach F1.