As we edge ever closer to the start of the 2025 Formula One season, we take a look at the Top 10 Formula 1 driver of all time.
There are many stats that can be used to determine who the ultimate F1 drivers are, and we understand that not everybody will agree.
We have used the number of World Championships they have won to decide the TOP 10 Formula 1 drivers of all time.
1. Michael Schumacher
World Championships: 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Michael Schumacher is often regarded as one of the greatest due to his true dominance of the sport, especially at the turn of the millennium at Ferrari.
2. Lewis Hamilton
World Championships: 7 (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Lewis Hamilton is tied with Michael Schumacher with 7 World Championships. Lewis holds the record for most pole positions and race wins. Now at Ferrari, aged 40, Lewis is after his 8th World Championship.
3. Juan Manuel Fangio
World Championships: 5 (1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957)
Many people consider Fangio to be the greatest of all time. He is the only F1 driver in history to win titles with four different teams.
4. Max Verstappen
World Championships: 4 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Verstappen definitely divides opinions among F1 fans. Some love him, others, not so much. But there is no denying he is the best driver currently in F1 right now. He will be pushing for his 5th consecutive World Drivers Championship in 2025.
5. Sebastian Vettel
World Championships: 4 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Seb Vettel dominated the sport during his time with Red Bull. Seb retired at the end of the 2022 season, having achieved the fourth-most Grand Prix wins with 53.
6. Alain Prost
World Championships: 4 (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993)
Known as "The Professor" Alain became the first ever F1 World Champion from France. At the time of his retirement he held the records for most wins, fastest laps, and podium finishes.
7. Ayrton Senna
World Championships: 3 (1988, 1990, 1991)
For many, Ayrton Senna is the greatest. He may not have won the most World Championships but he is a true great of the sport. Known for being a fierce competitor. Lewis Hamilton wears a yellow racing helmet as a reference to Senna as that was the colour of the helmet the Brazilian wore.
8. Niki Lauda
World Championships: 3 (1975, 1977, 1984)
Famous for his title battle with James Hunt which was immortalised in the 2013 film, Rush. Lauda remains the only driver to have won a World Drivers' Championship with both Ferrari and McLaren.
9. Jackie Stewart
World Championships: 3 (1969, 1971, 1973)
Jackie Stewart was one of the best drivers of his era. He was instrumental in improving the safety of motor racing, campaigning for better medical facilities and track improvements at motor racing circuits.
10. Nelson Piquet
World Championships: 3 (1981, 1983, 1987)
Nelson Piquet took his third and final championship in 1987 during a heated battle with teammate Nigel Mansell, which soured their friendship.
There are many drivers who could have easily made the list. Sir Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Fernando Alonso, Roger Hunt, Nigel Mansell, to name a few, and while the debate about who makes the list of the Top 10 Formula 1 drivers of all time will continue, we can all agree on one thing. All the drivers mentioned have a lasting legacy in the fuel-action-packed sport that we love, Formula 1.
Feel free to comment below on the driver that you would include in the Top 10.
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