Since the creation of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950, exceptional drivers have left their mark on the circuits through their talent, daring and records. Some have dominated their era, while others have written the legend with their unique exploits. Here is our selection of the 10 best F1 drivers in history, ranked according to their titles, victories and impact on the sport.
Rank | Photo | Name | World titles | Victories | Last stable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 7 | 105 | Ferrari (2025) |
2 |
| Michael Schumacher | 7 | 91 | Mercedes |
3 |
| Juan Manuel Fangio | 5 | 24 | Maserati |
4 |
| Alain Prost | 4 | 51 | Williams |
5 |
| Sebastian Vettel | 4 | 53 | Aston Martin |
6 |
| Max Verstappen | 4 (in progress) | 65 | Red Bull |
7 |
| Ayrton Senna | 3 | 41 | Williams |
8 |
| Nelson Piquet | 3 | 23 | Benetton |
9 |
| Niki Lauda | 3 | 25 | McLaren |
10 |
| Fernando Alonso | 2 | 32 | Aston Martin |
Images Wikimedia Commons
Career summary: Making his McLaren debut in 2007, Hamilton has turned modern F1 on its head with his aggressive style and consistency. He became the record holder for wins and pole positions, equalling Schumacher with 7 titles. In 2025, he joined Ferrari to take on a new challenge.
Prize list: 7 world titles (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) - 105 wins, more than 190 podium finishes.
Stables : McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari.
Career summary: An emblematic figure of the years 1990-2000, Schumacher made history with his domination of Ferrari. His rigour and charisma inspired a whole generation of drivers.
Prize list: 7 world titles (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) - 91 wins.
Stables : Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari, Mercedes.
Career summary: A legendary Argentinian of the 1950s, Fangio remains an absolute benchmark for his exceptional success rate. Champion with 4 different teams, he marked the golden age of F1.
Prize list: 5 world titles (1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957) - 24 wins from 51 starts.
Stables : Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes, Ferrari.
Career summary: Nicknamed "The Professor For his race intelligence and strategic management, Prost was Senna's great rival. His technical mastery and consistency took him to the top.
Prize list: 4 world titles (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993) - 51 victories.
Stables : McLaren, Renault, Ferrari, Williams.
Career summary: The German dominated the early 2010s with Red Bull, winning 4 consecutive titles. Known for his methodical approach, he went on to race for Ferrari and Aston Martin.
Prize list: 4 world titles (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013) - 53 wins.
Stables : Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, Aston Martin.
Career summary: The Dutch prodigy, the youngest Grand Prix winner in 2016, has taken power in the 2020s. A three-time world champion from 2023, he is continuing his ascent with Red Bull.
Prize list: 4 world titles (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) - 65 victories (ongoing).
Stable : Toro Rosso, Red Bull Racing.
Career summary: Considered one of the greatest natural talents in history, Senna was renowned for his speed in qualifying and his driving in the rain. His career was tragically cut short in 1994, transforming him into a legend.
Prize list: 3 world titles (1988, 1990, 1991) - 41 victories.
Stables : Toleman, Lotus, McLaren, Williams.
Career summary: A Brazilian driver with a long and brilliant career, Piquet won in the 1980s thanks to his racing intelligence and mechanical talent.
Prize list: 3 world titles (1981, 1983, 1987) - 23 wins.
Stables : Brabham, Williams, Lotus, Benetton.
Career summary: A three-time Austrian champion, Lauda is a legend of courage, surviving a near-fatal accident in 1976 before returning a few weeks later. He left his mark on Ferrari and then McLaren with his racing intelligence.
Prize list: 3 world titles (1975, 1977, 1984) - 25 victories.
Stables : March, BRM, Ferrari, Brabham, McLaren.
Career summary: Spain's first champion, Alonso put an end to Schumacher's domination in the 2000s. Known for his versatility and longevity, he remains one of the most respected drivers of his generation.
Prize list: 2 world titles (2005, 2006) - 32 wins.
Stables : Minardi, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine, Aston Martin.
The plume of Fangio in the 1950s to the modern domination of Hamilton and VerstappenThese champions have left their mark on the history of F1. They pushed back the limits of speed, technique and strategy to become legends of motor sport.
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