The drivers with the most race starts for Atlassian Williams F1 Team
Meet the 10 drivers with the most Grand Prix starts in Williams history
Published
15 JUN 2026
Est. reading time
4 min
History was made at the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix as Alex Albon became the driver with the most race starts in Atlassian Williams F1 Team history.
Since our first race in 1978, 57 drivers have represented the team on Grand Prix weekends. Some delivered championship glory, others helped shape the story of Williams in different ways, but all have played their part in our journey.
Here's a countdown of the drivers who have made the most race starts for Williams.
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10. Keke Rosberg - 62 starts
Keke Rosberg (L), with Patrick head and Frank Williams
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.)
9. Damon Hill - 65 starts
Damon Hill celebrates victory at the 1996 Brazilian Grand Prix
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.
8. Juan Pablo Montoya - 68 starts
Juan Pablo Montoya was the third Colombian to race in Formula 1
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.
7. Nico Rosberg - 70 starts
Nico Rosberg's second place finish at Singapore in 2008 was his best result with the team
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.
6. Valtteri Bottas - 77 starts
Valtteri Bottas celebrates his P2 at Silverstone in 2014
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.
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5. Felipe Massa - 78 starts
Felipe Massa with his third place trophy at the 2015 Austrian Grand Prix
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!
4. Riccardo Patrese - 81 starts
Riccardo Patrese helped us secure two Constructors' Championships during his time with the team
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.
2. Ralf Schumacher - 94 starts
Ralf Schumacher celebrated six victories during his time at Grove
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.
2. Nigel Mansell - 95 starts
Nigel Mansell no longer leads the way for Williams in terms of starts, but still tops our victories column
For years, Nigel Mansell stood alone at the top of this list. Across 95 starts with Williams, Nigel claimed 28 victories, 43 podium finishes and, of course, the 1992 Drivers' Championship in one of the most dominant seasons in Formula 1 history.
His fearless, attacking style made him a fan favourite around the world, while 'Mansell Mania' became a defining part of British motorsport culture. Although his long-standing starts record has now been surpassed, Nigel's place among the greatest drivers in Williams history remains undisputed.
1. Alex Albon - 96 starts (and counting)
Alex Albon at the season-opening 2026 Australian GP
Alex wrote his name into the Williams history books at the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, making his 96th race start for the team and moving clear at the top of the all-time list.
Since joining Williams in 2022, Alex has become a cornerstone of the team's journey back up the grid. His speed, consistency and leadership have helped drive the team's progress, while his numerous points-scoring finishes have produced plenty of memorable moments along the way. Still only in his fifth season with Williams, Alex's story is far from finished – and the record is only going one way.
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