Who are the best F1 drivers of all time? The best F1 driver in history is a debate that has and will continue to rage as long as the sport exists. Such discussions are common in any sport.
Formula 1 is one of the deadliest yet adrenaline-pumping motorsports, involving 10 teams and 20 drivers racing along a track to bag the title of championship winner. The sport is aggressive and requires years of training, precision, and strategy.
Over the decades, the sport has produced some legendary drivers who have established a standard by pushing the limits of speed and skill. All those split-second decisions on the track defined their precision, forever changing the art of competitive racing.
Every Formula 1 fan (including me) has their dream lineup. Success in F1 is shared between the drivers behind the wheel and the teams that build the cars. Over the years, legendary names like Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams have set historic sports records with their incredible engineering and fastest drivers.
Senna’s legendary skill in the rain and Sebastian Vettel’s unforgettable championship triumph are just a few of the moments that have left an indelible mark on Formula 1 history. Formula 1’s 75th anniversary started on an exciting note, and since the summer break is approaching, it’s time to pay a little tribute to the milestone season of F1 and the love of the sport. In this article, we have curated a list of some of the best F1 drivers of all time by closely looking at their podiums and world championships.
15 Drivers Who Put the Grit in the Grid
1. Michael Schumacher
- World Championships: 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
- Race Wins: 91
- Pole Positions: 68
- First Race: 1991 Belgian GP
Michael Schumacher defined dominance in modern Formula 1. With Benetton, he secured back‑to‑back championships in 1994–1995. Then, at Ferrari, he created a legacy by winning five straight titles from 2000 to 2004, which shattered records. His blend of fierce determination and aggressive pace made him an icon. Even today, he is remembered as one of the best F1 drivers for his record-breaking achievements.
2. Ayrton Senna
- Championships: 3 (1899, 1990-1991)
- Race Wins: 41
- Pole Positions: 65
- First Race: 1984 Brazilian GP
Ayrton Senna is a legend. The Brazilian driver is regarded for his defining wet-weather performance, especially after the Donington 1993. In 2009, an Autosport poll tagged him among the best F1 drivers of all time. Fellow drivers also voted him top of their list. Senna was spiritual and was all about speed and fierce racing. Senna’s commitment to every lap and his constant desire to push the limits have earned him a lasting place in the hearts of motorsport fans. However, his life was tragically ended by a fatal crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, which left a black mark on the history of F1. The Brazilian driver’s legacy continues to live on in Formula 1.
3. Alain Prost
- Championships: 4 (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993)
- Race Wins: 51
- Pole Positions: 33
- First Race: 1980 Argentine GP
Prost is known as “The Professor” for his excellent strategy. His rivalry with Senna remains one of F1’s most thrilling battles. With four championships, Prost’s calm, calculated approach made him remembered for his analytical strategy. Prost’s natural driving precision allowed him to become France’s first world champion in 1985. Prost was one of the best F1 drivers of All Time, and he stayed at the peak of his performance right up to his retirement, winning his fourth and final championship with Williams at 38.
4. Sebastian Vettel
- Championships: 4 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
- Race Wins: 53
- Pole Positions: 57
- First Race: 2007 United States GP
Vettel started his F1 career in 2007 with Toro Rosso. His debut saw a great start, as he massively took nine podiums and five wins within the first three years. Over the next four years, he became the face of F1 by securing four consecutive world titles with Red Bull and becoming the youngest champion in the sport( surpassing the record previously held by Lewis Hamilton). Fans still regard him among the best F1 drivers ever for his driving and intelligence on the track.
Vettel’s goofy nature and respect for the sport made him more lovable. However, his switch to Ferrari didn’t bring him the same glory, though he came close to winning championships on multiple occasions. The announcement of his retirement at the end of the 2022 season left millions of fans in anguish, but the German driver will be remembered for his speed and humility.
5. Max Verstappen
- Championships: 4 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
- Race Wins: 65
- Pole Positions: 43
- First Race: 2015 Australian GP
Verstappen is the current sensation, slotting into the list of the best F1 drivers. He’s rewritten modern records with aggressive yet refined driving. The Dutchman made his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2015 at 17. A year later, he was promoted to Red Bull Racing and made an immediate impact, winning his first race for the team and becoming the youngest winner in F1 history at 18 years and 228 days. Max is well known for his aggressive wet-weather racing, especially during the 2016 Brazilian GP, which many fans compared him to Ayrton Senna. In 2023 alone, he won 19 races, and his RB19 was considered one of the most dominant cars.
6. Lewis Hamilton
- Championships: 7 (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Race Wins: 105+
- Pole Positions: 104+
- First Race: 2007 Australian GP
Fans rank this popular Brit as one of the best F1 drivers of all time. Lewis Hamilton‘s streak has been remarkable, tying Schumacher’s seven titles and surpassing his pole record. From his debut with McLaren to his dominance at Mercedes, Hamilton’s consistency and speed are unmatched.
The Brit has claimed victories in 30 different countries, secured at least one win in nearly every season he’s raced, and currently shares the record for most world championships with Michael Schumacher. He came close to an eighth title in 2021, only to be edged out by Max Verstappen. Hamilton has more wins, podiums, points, and pole positions than any driver in Formula 1 history. Apart from racing, he’s a cultural icon and a social activist.
7. Niki Lauda
- Championships: 3 (1975, 1977, 1984)
- Race Wins: 25
- Pole Positions: 24
- First Race: 1971 Austrian GP
The list of the best F1 drivers of all time wouldn’t be complete without Niki Lauda. He is quintessential for courage and excellence. After three seasons in Formula 1, Lauda joined Ferrari in 1974 and quickly made his mark, claiming two victories and finishing fourth in the championship. Lauda’s comeback is one of the most remarkable stories in the history of Formula 1. After suffering a near-lethal crash in 1976 at Nürburgring, he returned within six weeks to race, closely losing the championship title to his rival James Hunt. His precision, determination, and technical insight set him apart.
8. Fernando Alonso
- Championships: 2 (2005, 2006)
- Race Wins: 32
- Pole Positions: 22
- First Race: 2001 Australian GP
Fernando Alonso, one of the best F1 drivers of all time, started karting with a homemade go-kart built by his father. Fernando succeeded in racing in the rain on dry tires when money was tight. Alonso’s career is one of grit and longevity. After debuting with Minardi in 2001, he made history with Renault by ending Schumacher’s dominance and becoming the youngest double-world champion. Though later stints with McLaren and Ferrari had near-misses, Alonso’s return with Alpine in 2021 proved his hunger for the championship.
9. Jim Clark
- Championships: 2 (1963, 1965)
- Race Wins: 25
- Pole Positions: 33
- First Race: 1960 Dutch GP
With as many wins as Niki Lauda, Jim Clark easily earns his place among the best F1 drivers ever. Starting in Scottish Hill climbs, he debuted for Lotus in 1960. By 1963, he dominated the season with seven wins from ten races and followed it with another title in 1965, skipping Monaco to win the Indy 500. In just 72 starts, Clark secured 25 wins and 33 poles. His career was tragically cut short after he died in 1968 during a Formula 2 race in Germany, but his legacy continues to live on.
10. Jackie Stewart
- Championships: 3 (1969, 1971, 1973)
- Race Wins: 27
- Pole Positions: 17
- First Race: 1965 South African GP
Another Scottish great to grace the Formula 1 grid, Sir Jackie “The Flying Scot” Stewart, is easily spotted in his Stewart tartan and remembered as one of the best F1 drivers of all time. Debuting in 1965, he scored five podiums as a rookie and won three world titles, first with Matra in 1969, then twice with Tyrrell. However, Stewart’s impact went beyond speed. After losing friends to fatal crashes, he became a fierce advocate for driver safety, campaigning for seat belts, full-face helmets, and circuit reforms. His legacy changed motorsport for the better.
11. Kimi Raikkonen
- Championships: 1 (2007)
- Race Wins: 21
- Pole Positions: 18
- First Race: 2001 Australian GP
Kimi Räikkönen, known as “The Iceman,” was one of the most naturally gifted and calm drivers in Formula 1 history. His no-nonsense attitude, raw speed, and calm personality made him a fan favorite(including me). He remains a standout figure among the best F1 drivers, remembered for his honesty, humor, and effortless talent behind the wheel. In 2007, he claimed the world title with Ferrari, sealing it dramatically at the final race. With 21 wins and a career spanning two decades, Kimi raced with quiet confidence.
12. Nigel Mansell
- Championships: 1 (1992)
- Race Wins: 31
- Pole Positions: 32
- First Race: 1980 Austrian GP
Nigel Mansell’s journey to becoming one of the best F1 drivers of all time is a story of grit and pure heart. After nearly losing everything to a broken neck early in his career, he defied the odds and pushed through, literally. That unforgettable moment in Dallas, where he collapsed after trying to make his broken-down car, defined his spirit. His 1992 championship win with Williams was dominant, the peak of a hard-fought career. Mansell was relentless and emotional and always gave it everything, making him a true legend in the history of Formula 1.
13. Stirling Moss
- Championships: 0
- Race Wins: 16
- Pole Positions: 16
- First Race Win: While his first Formula 1 race isn’t highlighted, Stirling Moss secured his first victory at the 1955 British Grand Prix.
Stirling Moss is often called the best driver never to win a World Championship, but his legacy in Formula 1 is lacking. Battling legends like Juan Manuel Fangio, Moss claimed 16 Grand Prix victories across five different teams, an unmatched record even today. He raced for Mercedes, Maserati, Vanwall, Cooper, and Lotus, bringing flair, courage, and sportsmanship to every drive. With pole positions and podiums across six teams, Moss proved his class in every car. His talent and versatility easily place him among the best F1 drivers of all time.
14. Graham Hill
- Championships: 2 (1962, 1968)
- Race Wins: 14
- Pole Positions: 13
- First Race: 1958 Monaco GP
Graham Hill was a two-time world champion and a true racing icon. Hill, the only man to win the Triple Crown of Motorsport (Monaco GP, Le Mans, and Indy 500), has a legacy in motorsport history. He claimed 14 Grand Prix victories, including five in Monaco, earning him the nickname’ Mr. Monaco’. Known for his charm and grit, Hill’s passion for racing was unmatched.
15. Nico Rosberg
- Championships: 1(2016)
- Race Wins: 23
- Pole Positions: 30
- First Race: 2006 Bahrain GP
Rosberg may have retired young, but his 2016 title win, after beating teammate Lewis Hamilton in equal machinery, was one of F1’s fiercest rivalries realized. Intelligent, fast, and mentally challenging, Rosberg ended Mercedes’ internal dominance. His decision to retire right after becoming champion only added intrigue.
The Final Lap
From the golden days of Stirling Moss and Graham Hill to the fierce dominance of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 has been a sport that tests instinct and pure talent. Each era gave us its version of greatness, Senna’s wet-weather acing or Schumacher’s relentless domination. Some reigned with dominance, others inspired with heart, but all helped change the soul of racing. The debate over the best F1 drivers of all time will always be ongoing. These 15 legends were unforgettable, reminding us why we fell in love with the sport in the first place.
