Who Is the Most Famous F1 Driver?

Lewis Hamilton is widely considered the most famous Formula 1 driver in the world today, driven by record-breaking achievements, global media presence, and a broad cultural footprint beyond motorsport. Historically, Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna are the other two names most often cited as the sport’s most iconic figures, reflecting different eras and definitions of fame.

Why “most famous” depends on how you measure it

Fame is subjective, but in sports it’s often gauged by a mix of competitive records, cultural impact, media visibility, and public recognition. In F1’s case, the debate tends to orbit three drivers—Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Ayrton Senna—each a touchstone for a different generation of fans and milestones in the sport’s history.

How to evaluate fame in Formula 1

The following points outline common yardsticks used by analysts, sponsors, and media to assess fame among elite athletes, including F1 drivers.

• On-track records: championships, race wins, poles, podiums, and longevity
• Global recognition: cross-border name ID, mainstream media coverage, and brand partnerships
• Cultural impact: influence beyond sport (film, fashion, activism, national symbolism)
• Digital footprint: social media following and engagement, search interest, and virality
• Economic clout: sponsorship value, merchandise demand, and appearance power

Taken together, these indicators provide a fuller picture than results alone, helping distinguish the most successful from the most widely known.

The leading contenders

Below is a concise comparison of the three drivers most often mentioned in discussions about fame, noting what primarily fuels their global profiles.

• Lewis Hamilton: Holds the all-time records for grand prix wins and pole positions, tied for most world titles (7). A global celebrity with mainstream reach—fashion, music, philanthropy—and the largest social media following among F1 drivers. Knighted in the UK and a consistent fixture in global marketing campaigns. As of 2025, racing for Ferrari after a storied Mercedes era.
• Michael Schumacher: A 7-time world champion whose early-2000s dominance with Ferrari helped push F1 into the mainstream. Longstanding brand icon in Europe and Asia; his legacy remains potent. His 2013 skiing accident and subsequent privacy have sustained global interest and respect for his achievements.
• Ayrton Senna: A cultural icon whose influence transcends statistics—beloved for his brilliance in the wet, fierce rivalries, spiritual persona, and national significance in Brazil. His death during the 1994 San Marino GP cemented a lasting legacy, amplified by documentaries, literature, and ongoing philanthropic work via the Ayrton Senna Institute.

All three command deep, multi-generational recognition; the distinction today largely turns on current visibility and the breadth of crossover appeal.

Why the edge goes to Lewis Hamilton right now

Hamilton’s fame is buoyed by simultaneous dominance in performance metrics and mainstream culture. He holds the most career race wins and pole positions, and he is tied with Schumacher for the most titles (7). Crucially, he reaches audiences that don’t typically follow motorsport—appearing at fashion weeks, the Met Gala, and in major brand campaigns—while also taking public stands on diversity and inclusion, which drew significant global coverage. On digital platforms, Hamilton’s following leads all F1 drivers, amplifying his visibility in ways that prior generations couldn’t match. In 2025, his high-profile move to Ferrari further expands his global footprint, uniting one of sport’s most recognizable athletes with its most famous team.

Context: the rise of Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen has become a generational force—multiple consecutive titles, a dominant win rate since 2021, and a rapidly growing international fanbase. While his competitive stature is undisputed, his broader cultural penetration—outside core motorsport audiences—still trails Hamilton’s global celebrity, though the gap has narrowed as Red Bull’s and his personal brand scale internationally.

Bottom line

If the question is who is most famous today, the weight of current records, cultural reach, and digital presence points to Lewis Hamilton. If the lens is historical or legacy-driven, Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna remain the defining icons whose names resonate across generations and geographies.

Summary

Lewis Hamilton is presently the most famous F1 driver, combining unmatched statistical records, mainstream cultural visibility, and the sport’s largest digital following. Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna remain towering figures—Schumacher as the emblem of Ferrari-era dominance and Senna as a timeless cultural icon—while Max Verstappen is the modern juggernaut whose fame continues to accelerate with sustained success.

Who is the most famous F1 driver of all time?

The most iconic Formula 1 drivers, a category encompassing both skill and enduring legacy, include Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Ayrton Senna for their record-setting careers and profound impact on the sport. Other iconic figures are Juan Manuel Fangio, a legend from F1’s early days, and modern-era drivers like Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, who have cemented their places in the sport’s history.
 
This video discusses the best overtake in F1 history: 1mFORMULA 1YouTube · Jan 25, 2025
Legends of the Sport

• Michael Schumacher: Opens in new tabOften considered the greatest driver of all time, his seven world championships and 91 wins remain a benchmark. 
• Lewis Hamilton: Opens in new tabTied with Schumacher for the most championships, Hamilton holds numerous records for most wins, pole positions, and podiums. 
• Ayrton Senna: Opens in new tabAlthough his career was tragically cut short, Senna is celebrated for his sheer talent, passion, and skill, particularly in challenging conditions. 
• Juan Manuel Fangio: Opens in new tabA dominant force in the 1950s, Fangio won five championships and is revered for his adaptability and raw driving talent. 
• Alain Prost: Opens in new tab”The Professor” was a four-time world champion known for his intelligent and clean racing style. 

Modern Era Icons

• Max Verstappen: Opens in new tabA dominant force in recent years, Verstappen has rapidly climbed the ranks, becoming a multi-time world champion. 
• Fernando Alonso: Opens in new tabA multiple-time world champion known for his longevity and competitive spirit, he holds the record for most Grand Prix starts. 

Other Notable Drivers

• Niki Lauda: Opens in new tabA three-time world champion whose career was marked by incredible resilience and a legendary comeback from a near-fatal crash. 
• Sebastian Vettel: Opens in new tabA four-time world champion who achieved significant success in the late 2000s and early 2010s. 

Is number 69 banned in F1?

Yes, a Formula 1 driver can technically choose the number 69, as the rules allow any number between 2 and 99 for a driver’s permanent career number, with only the number 1 being reserved for the reigning World Champion. However, since the permanent number system was introduced in 2014, no driver has chosen the number 69, and it remains available for use, though it’s not a commonly selected number.
 
Here are the rules for F1 driver numbers:

• Number 1: Reserved for the reigning World Champion. 
• Other Numbers: Drivers can choose any number from 2 to 99 for their career, which is then permanently theirs. 
• Availability: Numbers are chosen based on availability, with no two drivers having the same permanent number. 
• Reserved Numbers: If a driver retires or leaves the sport, their number is reserved for two seasons to prevent others from taking it. 
• Unchosen Numbers: If a driver does not choose a number, one is assigned based on their team’s historical entry. 
• Number 17: This number is not used as a mark of respect for Jules Bianchi. 

Since there’s no rule banning number 69 and it’s within the allowed range, a driver could pick it if they wish, provided another driver hasn’t already claimed it.

Who is LGBTQ in F1?

The first openly queer Formula 1 driver,Ralf Schumacher, came out in 2024, joining a small group of openly LGBTQ+ F1 figures. Others include former F1 driver and W Series ambassador Abbie Eaton, former F1 communications officer Matt Bishop, Racing Pride co-founder Richard Morris, and the late former driver Mário de Araújo Cabral. Allied figures like former driver Sebastian Vettel have shown support for the community.
 
Openly LGBTQ+ individuals in F1 

• Ralf Schumacher: Opens in new tabThe most high-profile driver to come out, he revealed he was in a same-sex relationship in July 2024, making him the first openly gay F1 driver. He is now publicly with his partner, Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne. 
• Lella Lombardi: Opens in new tabThe only woman to have scored F1 World Championship points, she was also a lesbian. 
• Mário de Araújo Cabral: Opens in new tabA Portuguese driver who raced in the 1950s and 60s. He came out as bisexual later in life and passed away in 2020. 
• Mike Beuttler: Opens in new tabA British driver from the early 1970s, it was known among his close circles that he was gay, though he was not publicly out during his career. 

Key Allies and Activists 

• Sebastian Vettel: A four-time F1 world champion, he is a well-known supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, notably wearing a “Same Love” shirt at a Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021.
• Matt Bishop: The chief communications officer for Aston Martin, he is also a founder-ambassador for Racing Pride, an organization promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity in motorsports.
• Abbie Eaton and Sarah Moore: Both are W Series racers and ambassadors for Racing Pride.
• Richard Morris: The co-founder of Racing Pride.

Who is the most popular F1 driver?

The most popular Formula 1 drivers currently include the reigning champion Max Verstappen, global icon Lewis Hamilton, and rising stars like Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. Historical legends like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher also remain incredibly popular with fans for their iconic performances and legendary status. 
Current Popular Drivers

• Max Verstappen: Opens in new tabAs the current reigning champion, his dominance on the track naturally draws a large fanbase. 
• Lewis Hamilton: Opens in new tabA multiple-time world champion and global icon, Hamilton remains one of the most talked-about drivers. 
• Lando Norris: Opens in new tabKnown for his playful personality and exciting racing, Norris is a rising star who has captured the imagination of fans, according to BASIC Magazine. 
• Charles Leclerc: Opens in new tabAs Ferrari’s “Golden Boy,” Leclerc has a significant following, particularly among the passionate Ferrari fanbase, notes BASIC Magazine. 
• Oscar Piastri: Opens in new tabA talented rookie making waves, Piastri’s impressive performances have quickly made him popular with fans. 
• Fernando Alonso: Opens in new tabThe experienced and ageless warrior, Alonso’s longevity and continued strong performances keep him in the spotlight. 

Historical Icons

• Ayrton Senna: Opens in new tabA legend of the sport, Senna’s thrilling performances and captivating personality have cemented his place as one of the most popular drivers of all time, according to V12 RS. 
• Michael Schumacher: Opens in new tabAnother iconic figure, Schumacher’s incredible career and numerous victories have made him a legendary and popular driver.