Finnish · Suomussalmi, Finland · Born 19 October 1981Heikki Kovalainen is a Finnish racing driver who became the 100th different driver to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix, taking victory for McLaren at the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Heikki Kovalainen won the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix for McLaren to become the 100th different driver in Formula 1 history to win a Grand Prix, and after leaving the sport won the 2016 Super GT championship in Japan and back-to-back Japanese Rally Championship titles in 2022 and 2023. Supported throughout his junior career by the Renault Driver Development programme, he won the World Series by Nissan championship in 2004 and finished runner-up in GP2 before being promoted to a full-time Formula One race seat with Renault for 2007, taking a podium on debut in Japan. Kovalainen moved to McLaren in 2008 to partner Lewis Hamilton, taking his first pole position at Silverstone before winning the Hungarian Grand Prix after Felipe Massa's late engine failure, becoming the 100th different driver in Formula 1 history to win a Grand Prix. He remained with McLaren through a difficult 2009 season, and spent his final F1 years from 2010 to 2013 with the uncompetitive Team Lotus and Caterham outfits, earning widespread respect for a composed and sportsmanlike exit from his burning car at the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix, waving to an appreciative crowd. After leaving Formula One, Kovalainen moved to Japan to compete in the Super GT series, winning the championship with SARD in 2016, and later transitioned into rallying, winning back-to-back Japanese Rally Championship titles in 2022 and 2023. Known for his fitness and endurance, he has also competed in triathlons, including completing an Ironman event in just over 11 hours.
Becoming the 100th different driver in Formula 1 history to win a Grand Prix
How They Played
Smooth, composed driver known for adaptability across different racing disciplines
Lasting Impact
Widely respected for sportsmanship and versatility, later building a successful multi-discipline career across Super GT and rallying
Career Honours
- Grand Prix winner (2008 Hungarian Grand Prix), 100th different F1 race winner
- Super GT champion (2016)
- 2x Japanese Rally Championship winner (2022, 2023)
- World Series by Nissan champion
| Constructor | Season(s) | Races |
|---|---|---|
| Renault | 2007 | — |
| McLaren | 2008–2009 | — |
| Team Lotus/Caterham | 2010–2012 | — |
| Lotus F1 | 2013 | — |
| Career Total | — | 0 |
Finnish Athletes