Top 10 Formula 1 Drivers Of All Time

Formula One (F1) is the pinnacle of all motorsport. It attracts only the greatest racing drivers from all parts of the world.

Whether you’re a new or lifelong fan of F1, there is a lot to remember about the teams, the vehicles, and the racers themselves.

Here are the top 10 Formula 1 drivers of all time.

1. Lewis Hamilton

First Race: Australian Grand Prix (2007)

World Championships: seven (2008, 2014-15, 2017-20)

Career Points: 4201.5

Hamilton has graced the circuit with unmatched driving skills since his 2007 debut. This driver has broken numerous F1 records, winning at least one race in each season he’s competed (in over 30 countries). He is a magnificent athlete and one of the best racers the F1 has ever seen.

2. Michael Schumacher

First Race: Belgian Grand Prix (1991)

World Championships: seven (1994-95, 2000-04)

Career Points: 1566

There aren’t words to express how good of a driver Schumacher was. He came from humble beginnings with little money, but fate had other plans for him. As a result, he raced for Ferrari, Mercedes, and Benetton. His remarkable dominance has made him a hero to many current F1 drivers.

3. Sebastian Vettel

First Race: United States Grand Prix (2007)

World Championships: four (2010-13)

Career Points: 3065

Sebastian Vettel made his F1 debut in 2007 and went on to dominate the rest of the early 2010s. Winning the Italian Grand Prix in 2008- his first accolade in this area- he was an instant hit. During the next few years, he won four consecutive championships and became the youngest world champion.

4. Ayrton Senna

First Race: Brazilian Grand Prix (1984)

World Championships: three (1988, 1990-91)

Career Points: 610

Ayrton Senna is arguably the most talented driver in Formula 1 history, despite not having obtained as many wins or championships as others on this list. The Brazilian was an intense yet equally phenomenal driver during his short career. His career was cut short after he was killed in a crash during the 1994 San Marino GP. However, Senna’s F1 legacy lives on.

5. Jim Clark

First Race: Dutch Grand Prix (1960)

World Championships: two (1963, 1965)

Career Points: 274

Jim Clark was a fan favorite, a racing genius, and perhaps the most naturally gifted driver of all time, Jim Clark. This driver shunned the limelight and was only interested in winning. At the time of his tragic death in 1968 – during a race at Hockenheim – he held the record for the highest number of race wins.

6. Fernando Alonso

First Race: Australian Grand Prix (2001)

Championships: two (2005,2006)

Career Points: 1982

A driver that has demonstrated lots of charisma and talent from the get-go, Alonso remains one of the greatest names in F1 history. This Spaniard has a reputation as an aggressive but entirely fearless racer—with the skills to match— that has made him a firm fan favorite around the world.

7. Nigel Mansell

First Race: Austrian Grand Prix (1980)

World Championships: one (1992)

Career Points: 482

Nigel Mansell defined “determination.” From the start of his Formula 1 career to the very end, he was an absolutely brilliant driver. His iconic win at Silverstone in 1992 is one for the history books, with fans invading the track after he crossed the finish line. Despite only winning one F1 title, Mansell has rightfully earned his spot on this list.

8. Niki Lauda

First Race: Austrian Grand Prix (1971)

World Championships: three (1975, 1977, 1984)

Career Points: 420.5

Niki Lauda entered F1 as a pay driver. But while the money enabled him to enter Formula 1, his talent kept him there. Lauda won 25 races throughout his career, which could easily have been cut short. But even in the face of misfortune, the Austrian showed more strength and resoluteness than many other drivers.

9. Jackie Stewart

First Race: South African Grand Prix (1965)

World Championships: three (1969, 1971, 1973)

Career Points: 360

Sir Jackie Stewart was an incredible talent on the track and remains an important figure in the grid. After retiring from the sport, Stewart strived to make racing safer. He was a pioneer for full-face helmets, safety barriers, and traveling medical units, among others. Motorsports is a much better place because of his input.

10. Alain Prost

First Race: Argentine Grand Prix (1980)

World Championships: four (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993)

Career Points: 768.5

The Frenchman’s secret weapon was a combination of brainpower and speed. During a race, he possessed a natural driving precision that enabled him to become France’s first-ever world champion in 1985. Prost and Ayrton Senna’s rocky relationship is crucial in F1 history and came about because of Prost’s remarkable successes.

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Summary

Formula 1 is full of iconic and unrivaled racing drivers both past and present. Simply glancing at this top talent shows just how blessed racing fans have been.