Having begun in 1950, there have been a number of thrilling Formula 1 season finishes – so many in fact, it’s not easy to pick the best. So many vivid characters, so many passionate rivalries, so many unexpected twists.

Breaking down 2015

Race car breakdowns are, of course, part and parcel of every season – and 2015 has been no different. Honda in particular has suffered numerous mechanical issues, finishing just seven races so far this season. But the 2015 title has been decided by the mechanical supremacy and performance of Mercedes – together with Lewis Hamilton’s driving prowess – rather than any constructors’ mechanical shortcomings.

Furious Nico

Whether caused by breakdown, human irascibility or bad weather, any drama in this season’s Abu Dhabi finale won’t affect the championship standings, with Lewis Hamilton having secured his third title back in Austin. But we can still expect a thrilling show-down – especially if Nico Rosberg remains as angry with Hamilton as he was in Texas (“He was trying to drive me off the track,” said the German).

Best Ever Climaxes?

As we approach the last entry in 2015’s memorable F1 season, we take a look at some of the most exciting F1 finishes. Here are startrescue.co.uk's favourite Formula 1 climaxes of all time.

We know many of our breakdown cover customers will have an opinion on this topic. Do you agree with our selection?

2007 – Unexpected Finn-ish

Kimi Raikkonen (viledevil/Bigstock.com)

Entering the final 2007 Grand Prix in Brazil with hopes of championship glory were Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen. Briton Hamilton was leading on 107 points, followed closely by Spain's Alonso on 103 and Finland’s Raikkonen on 100.

Favourite Hamilton only managed seventh in the end due to gearbox issues. Alonso took third while Raikkonen finished top of the podium, bagging him the championship with 110 points – just one ahead of Alonso and Hamilton, both on 109.

2008 – Massa Be Crazy

Lewis Hamilton (ChanStockPhoto/Bigstock.com)

The thrills of 2007 continued into 2008, only this time it was Hamilton and Felippe Massa battling it out for the top spot. Hamilton, seven points ahead of Massa going into the final race in Brazil, only needed to finish fifth to take the championship.

Massa crossed the line first in front of his home crowd, technically placing him at the top of the championship. But Hamilton, having been overtaken by Alonso, managed to bypass Timo Glock on the very last lap – securing him the F1 crown by a solitary point.

1994 – Turning Defeat into Victory

Michael Schumacher (gfadel/Bigstock.com)

The finale of the 1994 F1 season was controversial to say the least – but the controversial ones are usually the most memorable. German Michael Schumacher was just one point ahead of GB's Damon Hill going into the final race in Australia.

On lap 35 Schumacher scraped a wall, apparently damaging his Benetton, prompting Hill to attempt an overtaking manoeuvre. However, the German had other ideas, performing an aggressive turn which connected his car with Hill's. The resulting damage caused both drivers to retire, handing Schumacher the championship with only a point to spare.

1976 – Raining Champion

Rush Film Set (The Guitar Mann/Bigstock.com)

A fierce rivalry between Austrian Niki Lauda and Briton James Hunt made 1976 a particularly memorable season – right up until the final race in Fuji, Japan.

Before Fuji, Lauda was leading the championship, despite a near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring in which he was badly burned – an injury that caused him to miss a number of later races. But his three point margin over Hunt proved too little, as poor weather conditions prompted Lauda to retire. Hunt, however, held on for third, bagging him the championship by a single point.

1984 – Laudable Victory

Eight years after his serious crash on the Nürburgring circuit, Lauda’s competitive spirit was as strong as ever. The 1984 season saw the Austrian up against Frenchman Alain Prost, who eventually took the chequered flag in the final Grand

Prix at Estoril in Portugal, giving him 71.5 points.

However, Lauda, continually seeking strategic ways to close the gap on his faster opponent, managed second place, securing him 72 points and the championship crown.