Andrea Kimi Antonelli has obtained his driver’s license, but how many other F1 drivers have failed their test! Being a wizard behind the wheel and speeding through the world’s most famous tracks is no guarantee of success. In fact, in some cases, it can even make things more complicated. Many drivers on the current grid—and beyond—have shared curious and, at times, shocking anecdotes.
Driving on a racetrack and driving on public roads are, needless to say, very different matters. This is echoed by almost all the drivers who have admitted their struggles during their driving test. Stress often takes over, turning what is supposed to be a routine procedure into a daunting challenge. This is something well understood by the two current drivers of the Prancing Horse.
Charles Leclerc, in particular, hated the narrow streets of Monaco: “I felt incredible pressure, and Monaco is really complicated, with all those cars and people” (PitStop Podcast). These feelings were shared by Lewis Hamilton: “My test was nerve-wracking; I had to do it on roads I didn’t know. I was super nervous” (Archie Hamilton on YouTube).
“I passed the test, but only by luck”
Not just the Maranello duo—the new Red Bull pair also faced their own struggles during their driving tests. Liam Lawson, fresh off signing with the Milton Keynes team, admitted: “I’ll be honest, I passed the test, but I shouldn’t have. I was allowed three major mistakes, and I made four. One of them was taking both hands off the wheel!” (F1.com).
A similar stroke of luck helped four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The Dutchman debuted in Formula 1 long before turning 18 and getting his driver’s license. During his test, he recalls failing to yield: “My examiner wasn’t happy, but luckily I passed. It would’ve been pretty embarrassing to fail.”
Heroes on the track… but only in F1
Winning in Formula 1 is no easy feat. The skills required for success are rare and exceptional. Yet, mistakes are human. Just ask George Russell, who failed his driving test: “He thought being a great driver was enough,” his father recounted. “He failed on his first attempt and blamed the examiner.”
Lando Norris didn’t have it easy either. The British driver, a potential favorite heading into the 2025 season, even failed his theory test: “I’ve never felt so sad in my life. I felt like I needed more brains for that moment, and that’s what made it difficult. I find driving on the road scarier than in Formula 1” (Made With Love Podcast).
Even Ferrari’s next hopeful, Oliver Bearman, had his struggles during his driving test. On his first attempt, he failed—running a red light is, after all, a serious mistake.
Driving on the road? Child’s play for some
Okay, not every Formula 1 driver has trouble behind the wheel of an ordinary car. And they’re eager to let you know! Take Fernando Alonso, for instance, who shared his experience in a Q&A session: “I got my license at 18, as soon as I could. I couldn’t wait, but I had to wait all summer to do it. Then I passed on the first try, but I admit it was stressful.”
Even more confident was Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard, now starting his new journey with Williams, had no trouble during his driving test: “I only needed one attempt, and I passed without hesitation. But, well, I guess that’s expected from a Formula 1 driver, right?” (F1.com).
License and registration, please!
Sometimes, though, Formula 1 drivers find themselves well beyond the limits of road regulations. A prime example is Ferrari’s newest recruit: Lewis Hamilton, who in 2007 had his license suspended for a month, and his car impounded. His offense? Speeding on a French road.
And how could we not mention Kimi Raikkonen, the Iceman, who often found himself in trouble after drinking too much? Not just at parties or on yachts—where he reportedly fell overboard at least once—but also behind the wheel. In 2006, during the summer break, his license was revoked for driving under the influence.
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