Greatest Formula One Drivers Of All Time

A sport known for its speed, advanced engineering and nail-biting finishes, Formula One aka F1 attracts millions of fans across the globe. Along with the sport, Formula One drivers are also revered for their unparalleled skills on the race track. Driving at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and even more, negotiating sharp bends and curves and keeping an eye on rivals, all at the same time, is a hugely challenging job. It’s only with their masterly skills that they are able to make it look real easy for the audience. To know them better, here’s a quick overview of some of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time.

Alain Prost – Coming from France, Alain Prost has won the World Drivers’ Championship title for four times. For more than a decade between 1987 and 2001, he had held the record of winning the most Grand Prix races. Over his career, Prost has registered 51 wins and 106 podium finishes. He had started with kart racing when he was just fourteen years of age. Prost has represented various teams such as McLaren, Renault, Ferrari and Williams.

Sebastian Vettel – A German racing driver, Sebastian Vettel has won the World Championship for four times. He started out with kart racing and had registered several wins at a young age. He began his Formula One career in 2006 when he joined BMW Sauber team. Over the years, he has also raced for other teams such as Toro Rosso, Red Bull, and Ferrari. From 2021, Vettel will be representing Aston Martin. His career achievements include 53 wins and 121 podium finishes.

Juan Manuel Fangio – An Argentine racing car driver, Juan Manuel Fangio has five Championship wins to his credit. He entered the racing scene when Formula One was in its initial years. He dominated F1’s first decade by winning the championships in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957. His career achievements include 24 wins and 35 podium finishes. Fangio was passionate about the automotive world since his childhood and had quit his studies to join racing.

Michael Schumacher – Probably the most well-known F1 driver, Michael Schumacher has won 7 World Championships. He also holds the record of 77 fastest laps. His other achievements include 91 wins and 155 podium finishes. One of the great things about Schumacher was that he was able to push his car to its limits. He is also credited with devising a pioneering fitness regime. Schumacher has raced with various teams such as Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton – A British racing driver, Lewis Hamilton has 7 championship wins. He also holds the record of max wins (95) and podium finishes (165). At, 3778, his career points are also the highest of all F1 drivers. As of 2020, he is the only black driver to participate in Formula One. Throughout his career, Hamilton has represented McLaren and Mercedes.