The Formula 1, known as the top category in world motorsport, has transcended the boundaries of sport to become a true global passion. The sport has many fans, but do you know who the 20 greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time are?
Since its founding in 1950, F1 has been the scene of thrilling races, epic rivalries and moments of glory that will remain etched in fans’ memories forever. Behind these iconic moments are the drivers – the heroes who defy the limits of speed and skill in pursuit of victory.
In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of these extraordinary athletes, the 20 greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. From established legends to contemporary icons, each of these drivers has left their indelible mark on the sport, racking up titles, breaking records and occasionally provoking controversy that has echoed beyond the track;
As we explore their journeys, we’ll delve not only into their racing achievements, but also into the stories behind the helmets, revealing the passions, challenges and triumphs that shaped their careers.
Find out now who the 20 greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time are!
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20 greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time
Get ready for a thrilling journey behind the scenes of Formula 1, where speed is just the beginning of a story full of adrenaline and excitement.
If you’re ready, check out the 20 greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time and find out a bit more about them!
1. Juan Manuel Fangio
- Titles: 5 (1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957)
- Teams: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz
- Fun fact: Known as the “Maestro”, Fangio was one of Formula 1’s first icons.
- Record: He won 24 of the 52 races he contested.
- Controversy: Few documented controversies.
2. Ayrton Senna
- Titles: 3 (1988, 1990, 1991)
- Teams: Toleman, Lotus, McLaren
- Fun fact: Senna is revered not only for his skills on the track, but also for his philanthropy.
- Record: Holds the record of six wins at the Monaco Grand Prix.
- Controversy: He was involved in controversies with other drivers, especially Alain Prost.
3. Michael Schumacher
- Titles: 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
- Teams: Benetton, Ferrari, Mercedes
- Fun fact: Schumacher is considered one of the most dominant drivers in F1 history.
- Record: Holds the record of 91 career victories.
- Controversy: Involved in some controversial maneuvers on the track.
4. Lewis Hamilton
- Titles: 7 (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Teams: McLaren, Mercedes
- Fun fact: Hamilton is the most successful driver in terms of wins to pole positions.
- Record: Holds the record for most pole positions in F1.
- Controversy: Criticism for his lifestyle off the track.
5. Alain Prost
- Titles: 4 (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993)
- Teams: Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, Williams
- Fun fact: Known as “The Professor”, Prost was a master of racing strategy.
- Record: Holds the record for most wins in Monaco (6).
- Controversy: Intense rivalry with Ayrton Senna.
6. Niki Lauda
- Titles: 3 (1975, 1977, 1984)
- Teams: Ferrari, Brabham, McLaren
- Fun fact: Lauda returned to racing after a serious accident in 1976.
- Record: Won two titles with Ferrari after his accident.
- Controversy: Few known controversies.
7. Jackie Stewart
- Titles: 3 (1969, 1971, 1973)
- Teams: Matra, Tyrrell
- Fun fact: Stewart was an advocate of safety in racing after the accident that almost killed him at Spa-Francorchamps in 1966.
- Record: Introduced stricter safety standards in F1.
- Controversy: Rivalry with other drivers of the time.
8. Sebastian Vettel
- Titles: 4 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
- Teams: Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, Aston Martin
- Fun fact: Vettel is the youngest driver ever to win a world title in Formula 1.
- Record: 9 consecutive wins in 2013.
- Controversy: Some controversial incidents on the track.
9. Jim Clark
- Titles: 2 (1963, 1965)
- Teams: Lotus
- Fun fact: Clark was known for his technical ability and reserved personality.
- Record: Won the Indianapolis Grand Prix in 1965.
- Controversy: Few controversies recorded.
10. Emerson Fittipaldi
- Titles: 2 (1972, 1974)
- Teams: Lotus, McLaren
- Fun fact: Fittipaldi was the first Brazilian to win the Formula 1 World Championship.
- Record: He won the Brazilian Grand Prix in 1973 and 1974.
- Controversy: Some disagreements with teams and teammates.
11. Nelson Piquet
- Titles: 3 (1981, 1983, 1987)
- Teams: Brabham, Williams, Benetton
- Fun fact: Piquet is known for his frankness and quirky sense of humor.
- Record: Won the Brazilian Grand Prix three times.
- Controversy: Some controversial statements after his retirement.
12. Mika Häkkinen
- Titles: 2 (1998, 1999)
- Teams: McLaren
- Fun fact: Häkkinen is known for his rivalry with Michael Schumacher in the 90s.
- Record: Won the European Grand Prix in 1997 and 1999.
- Controversy: Involved in some controversial disputes with other drivers.
13. Graham Hill
- Titles: 2 (1962, 1968)
- Teams: Lotus, BRM
- Fun fact: Hill is the only driver to win motorsport’s Triple Crown (Monaco, Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans).
- Record: Won the Monaco Grand Prix five times.
- Controversy: Few known controversies.
14. Fernando Alonso
- Titles: 2 (2005, 2006)
- Teams: Renault, McLaren, Ferrari
- Fun fact: Alonso is known for his versatility and talent in different track conditions.
- Record: Won the Spanish Grand Prix in 2006 and 2013.
- Controversy: Some heated disputes with teams and teammates.
15. Alan Jones
- Titles: 1 (1980)
- Teams: Williams
- Fun fact: Jones was the first Australian to win the Formula 1 world title.
- Record: He won the United States Grand Prix in 1977 and 1979.
- Controversy: Known for his aggressive riding style.
16. Keke Rosberg
- Titles: 1 (1982)
- Teams: Williams
- Fun fact: Rosberg is the father of Nico Rosberg, who was also a Formula 1 driver.
- Record: Won the Swedish Grand Prix in 1983.
- Controversy: Few known controversies.
17. Damon Hill
- Titles: 1 (1996)
- Teams: Williams, Arrows, Jordan
- Fun fact: Hill is Graham Hill’s son, making them the only father and son duo to win the Formula 1 World Championship.
- Record: He won the Hungarian Grand Prix in 1993 and 1995.
- Controversy: Some controversies during his career.
18. Jochen Rindt
- Titles: 1 (1970)
- Teams: Cooper, Brabham, Lotus
- Fun fact: Rindt was the only driver to win the world title posthumously.
- Record: Won the Monaco Grand Prix in 1970.
- Controversy: Few known controversies.
19. Mike Hawthorn
- Titles: 1 (1958)
- Teams: Ferrari
- Fun fact: Hawthorn was the first British Formula 1 world champion.
- Record: He won the French Grand Prix in 1953 and 1958.
- Controversy: Involved in some incidents on the track.
20. Jenson Button
- Titles: 1 (2009)
- Teams: Williams, Benetton, Renault, BAR, Honda, Brawn, McLaren
- Fun fact: Button won the Formula 1 World Championship with the Brawn GP team, which was new to the category.
- Record: Won the Australian Grand Prix in 2009 and 2010.
- Controversy: Few controversies recorded.
The 20 greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time
- Juan Manuel Fangio
- Ayrton Senna
- Michael Schumacher
- Lewis Hamilton
- Alain Prost
- Niki Lauda
- Jackie Stewart
- Sebastian Vettel
- Jim Clark
- Emerson Fittipaldi
- Nelson Piquet
- Mika Häkkinen
- Graham Hill
- Fernando Alonso
- Alan Jones
- Keke Rosberg
- Damon Hill
- Jochen Rindt
- Mike Hawthorn
- Jenson Button
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