Most Famous F1 Drivers of All Time

The most famous F1 drivers are revered by motorsports fans around the world. From past legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Ayrton Senna to modern-day icons such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, the best Formula 1 drivers are in a league of their own.

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Since F1 cars have changed drastically over the years, it is extremely difficult to compare drivers from different eras. Still, the greatest Formula 1 drivers stand out from the crowd. Without further ado, here are the most famous Formula 1 drivers in history.

#1 Michael Schumacher

In the eyes of many motorsports fans, Michael Schumacher is the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time. After all, the iconic German won seven World Drivers’ Championships during his remarkable career, including five in a row between 2000 and 2004.

#2 Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is the only other driver in F1 history to have won seven World Drivers’ Championships. On top of that, Hamilton holds the records for the most race wins, most pole positions and most podiums. Still racing today, Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the most popular F1 drivers.

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#3 Juan Manuel Fangio

Only Schumacher and Hamilton have won more World Drivers’ Championships than Juan Manuel Fangio, who clinched five titles between 1950 and 1958. The Argentine also has the best win percentage of any retired driver, having won 46% of his 52 races.

#4 Sebastien Vettel

Sebastian Vettel won four consecutive World Drivers’ Championships between 2010 and 2013, enjoying a lengthy period of dominance at Red Bull. During that period, the German racked up nine straight Grand Prix victories. Those records make him one of the best Formula 1 drivers ever.

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#5 Ayrton Senna

Having won three World Drivers’ Championships in four years between 1988 and 1991, Ayrton Senna is among the most famous F1 drivers in history. Sadly, the Brazilian was killed in a high-speed crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, but he will always be remembered for his driving ability.

#6 Alain Prost

Despite competing in the most competitive era in the history of Formula 1, Alain Prost still managed to secure four World Drivers’ Championships and 50+ race wins between 1980 and 1993. Better yet, he won a title with three different constructors – McLaren, Honda and Williams.

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#7 Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda’s career almost ended in tragedy when his car was engulfed in flames during the 1976 German Grand Prix. Thankfully, Lauda lived to tell the tale. Oh, he also won three World Drivers’ Championships for good measure, cementing his status as one of the most famous F1 drivers.

#8 Nelson Piquet

Last but not least, Nelson Piquet completes our list of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. The legendary Brazilian driver clinched three World Drivers’ Championships between 1981 and 1987, despite the best efforts of rivals such as Senna, Prost and Lauda.