Everyone loves a great competition, don’t they? They add a special drama to sports. Whether it’s Brazil and Argentina in soccer or Rafael Nadal and Federer in tennis, these duels make the encounters unmissable events. Much the same happens in other sports, such as Formula 1’s greatest rivalries. They have undoubtedly become part of the appeal of motorsport.
But what are Formula 1’s greatest rivalries? How about taking a look back at the 10 most memorable in the history of the competition?
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Formula 1’s greatest rivalries: TOP 10
Among the 10 greatest rivalries in Formula 1 are:
- Ayrton Senna vs. Alain Prost
- James Hunt vs. Niki Lauda
- Nigel Mansell vs. Nelson Piquet
- Sebastian Vettel vs. Lewis Hamilton
- Fernando Alonso vs. Lewis Hamilton
- Alain Prost vs. Nelson Piquet
- Michael Schumacher vs. Damon Hill
- Ayrton Senna vs. Nelson Piquet
- Lewis Hamilton vs. Nico Rosberg
- Jackie Stewart vs. Emerson Fittipaldi
Read on for more details (and gossip) of the greatest Formula 1 rivalries in history.
1. Ayrton Senna vs. Alain Prost
One of Formula 1’s most famous rivalries took place between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Both were world champions and competed intensely for supremacy on the track. Remember that for a long time they were teammates at McLaren,
Senna, known for his aggressive driving style, and Prost, for his technical skill and calculated strategy, collided several times, most notably at Suzuka in 1989 and 1990.
This rivalry is remembered not only for its competitive aspect, but also for the deep personal rivalry between the two drivers, which transcended the track and became one of the most fascinating stories in Formula 1 history.
You’ll be able to find out more about this duel in the Senna movie, which is being produced by Netflix and will soon be available.
James Hunt vs. Niki Lauda
During the 1976 season, James Hunt and Niki Lauda fought an epic battle for the world title. Hunt, from McLaren, won the season title by one point in an epic comeback.
During the season, Lauda was leading in points, but in the German Grand Prix he had a serious accident. His car crashed violently, caught fire and he was trapped in the flames for several seconds before being rescued, suffering severe burns to his face and significant damage to his lungs.
Defying all predictions, the driver returned to racing just six weeks later, at one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits, the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Even with visible burns, he was still fighting for the title.
However, at the Japanese Grand Prix, Lauda withdrew from the race due to the weather conditions, which led to Hunt winning the title.
The story of Hunt vs. Lauda also became a movie, inspiring Ron Howard’s production “Rush”, highlighting not only one of the greatest Formula 1 rivalries in history, but also the respect and friendship that developed between the two drivers.
To give you a taste of what you’ll find in the movie, we’ve put together another trailer for you.
Nigel Mansell vs. Nelson Piquet
In the 1980s, Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet were teammates in the same Formula 1 team, Williams.
However, the rivalry between the two British and Brazilian drivers reached its peak in 1986, when Piquet, a three-time world champion, and Mansell, in search of his first title, competed intensely on and off the track.
Among the greatest rivalries in Formula 1, the competition between the drivers is remembered for the internal disputes within the Williams team and the personality differences between the two drivers, which eventually led Mansell to leave Williams afterthe 1987 season.
4. Sebastian Vettel vs. Lewis Hamilton
One of the greatest rivalries in Formula 1 today took place during the 2010s, between two of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time: Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.
Both won multiple world titles and competed for different teams (Vettel for Red Bull and Ferrari, Hamilton for McLaren and Mercedes).
Even with Vettel’s retirement in 2022, the intense battles on the track between the two drivers, and the mutual respect between them, is still very much remembered today, as one of the sport’s most recent rivalries.
It’s worth noting that Vetter was a four-time world champion, winning four consecutive world titles in the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons, while Hamilton holds six titles (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020).
5. Fernando Alonso vs. Lewis Hamilton
In 2007, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso joined McLaren to race alongside then rookie Lewis Hamilton.
The tense relationship between the two drivers intensified over the course of the season, with internal disputes and notable incidents on the track.
The 2007 season is remembered as one of the most controversial in Formula 1 history, with the rivalry between Alonso and Hamilton.
It’s worth noting that both are still racing in Formula 1, so you can continue to watch this story being written!
Read also: How to bet on Betano Racing on the world’s top speed competitions!
6. Alain Prost vs. Nelson Piquet
In the 1980s, Alain Prost and Nelson Piquet were rivals on the track, competing for world titles.
Their different driving styles and strategic approaches led to memorable clashes, especially on the fast, technical tracks of the time.
The rivalry between Prost and Piquet is remembered as one of the most competitive in Formula 1 history, with both drivers achieving significant success in their careers.
7. Michael Schumacher vs. Damon Hill
During the 1994 season, Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill competed intensely for the world title.
The season was marked by the controversial collision between the two at the Australian Grand Prix, where Schumacher was disqualified after the incident.
One of Formula 1’s greatest rivalries in history, it left as its legacy the need for fair play and respect between drivers.
8. Ayrton Senna vs. Nelson Piquet
A rivalry between two Brazilian giants in Formula 1. The 1980s were marked by disputes between Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet, especially between their personal differences and driving styles, which all led to frequent clashes on the track, especially when they both competed for Brazilian teams, such as Lotus.
The rivalry between Senna and Piquet was closely followed by the Brazilian public, who saw Formula One as a form of national pride and sporting competence. After all, both drivers were celebrities in Brazil and their races on the track were a reason to gather the family in front of the television on Sunday mornings. It was even common for the family to be split up, with fans for each driver.
Both were Formula 1 world champions (Senna in 1988, 1990 and 1991; Piquet in 1981, 1983 and 1987) and contributed significantly to the success of Brazilian motorsport.
9. Lewis Hamilton vs. Nico Rosberg
Between 2014 and 2016, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were teammates at Mercedes and competed intensely for the world title.
Their fierce disputes and personal rivalry within the team dominated the Formula 1 spotlight during those years.
10. Jackie Stewart vs. Emerson Fittipaldi
In the 1970s, Jackie Stewart and Emerson Fittipaldi were rivals on the track, competing for victories and world titles.
Both drivers were known for their technical skills and consistency, which resulted in memorable duels throughout the decade.
The rivalry between Stewart and Fittipaldi helped shape the Formula 1 landscape in the 1970s, standing out as one of the most interesting battles between drivers of different styles and backgrounds.
These rivalries not only add drama and excitement to the history of Formula 1, but have also contributed to the development and popularity of the sport over the years.
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