F1: 6 Race Leaders Who Ran Out of Fuel on the Last Lap

#1 Jack Brabham - 1959 US Grand Prix, 1970 British Grand Prix

Bad luck haunted Jack Brabham multiple times as he ran out of fuel while leading the last of a Grand Prix twice in his career. His first incident came in the 1959 US Grand Prix while the 1970 British Grand Prix played host to the second incident.

The 1959 US Grand Prix held at Sebring International Raceway was the final race of the season, which had three drivers in contention for the championship including Jack Brabham. The Australian, chasing his first championship started the race from the second place and was a favourite to win the race. He led the closing stages of the race, but his car came to a halt on the final straight as it had run out of fuel. Bruce McLaren zoomed past Brabham and claimed the win. The desperate Australian got out of his car and pushed it across the finish line to claim fourth. He was declared as the world champion as his rivals failed to secure enough points in the final race.

The 1970 British Grand Prix saw Brabham start the race from the front row. He was in the thick of things at the top for most of the race, continuously battling for the lead with Rindt. However, Jack Brabham was denied a second victory in his last Formula 1 season as his car ran out of fuel on the last lap, which ensured that Rindt finished the race on top. The Australian coasted home to take the second spot while Hulme took the third place.