Who are the top 5 best F1 drivers of all time

The five greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time, balancing career achievements, dominance over their eras, quality of opposition, and longevity, are: Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna, and Max Verstappen. While any all-time list is inherently subjective, this ranking reflects a blend of records, peak performance, and the historical context in which each driver excelled.

How this ranking was determined

This assessment weighs championships, wins and poles, versatility across regulations and teams, peak dominance, racecraft under pressure, and the strength of competition. It also considers era-specific challenges—from the perilous 1950s to modern data-driven racing—so achievements aren’t judged solely by raw totals, which naturally favor longer contemporary calendars.

The top five, ranked

The following ordered list presents the top five drivers and the core rationale for each selection, balancing statistical dominance with era-adjusted impact and enduring influence on the sport.

1. Lewis Hamilton — The sport’s benchmark for consistency and peaks, holding the all-time records for wins and pole positions and sharing the title record.
2. Michael Schumacher — The defining force of the early 2000s, with seven titles and a transformative effect on team culture and performance.
3. Juan Manuel Fangio — The 1950s master with five titles across four teams, unmatched era dominance, and a towering win rate.
4. Ayrton Senna — The ultimate qualifying virtuoso and rain master, whose intensity and craft redefined the art of driving.
5. Max Verstappen — The modern era’s dominant force, setting unprecedented single-season benchmarks and winning multiple world titles.

Together, these five represent sustained excellence across vastly different technological, safety, and competitive landscapes, offering a cross-section of what “greatness” means in Formula 1.

1) Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton combines record-breaking totals with adaptability across eras—V8s, early hybrids, and ground-effect cars. He holds the all-time records for Grand Prix wins and pole positions, has a share of the most world titles, and owns the record for podium finishes. His career arc includes winning with different teammates and under different rule sets, with landmark seasons spanning McLaren’s 2008 title run to Mercedes’ hybrid dominance. Beyond speed, his tire management, race-craft, and minimal error rate across long campaigns set him apart, capped by a historic return to winning form in 2024 that extended his longevity at the front.

2) Michael Schumacher

Schumacher’s seven titles and 91 wins framed an era, especially his five straight championships with Ferrari (2000–2004). He helped reinvent preparation standards—fitness, testing discipline, and team integration—turning Ferrari into a relentless machine. His wet-weather brilliance and relentless pace were balanced by controversies (collisions in 1994 and 1997, and questionable tactics in 2006), but his peak competitiveness and role in lifting an entire organization make him foundational to any top-five list.

3) Juan Manuel Fangio

Fangio’s five championships in the 1950s—won with Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes, and Ferrari—reflect adaptability and strategic racecraft in a perilous era. His win percentage remains among the best in history, and his 1957 Nürburgring masterclass is still cited as one of the greatest drives ever. Adjusted for era, Fangio’s blend of speed, intelligence, and mechanical sympathy places him near the summit of all-time greatness.

4) Ayrton Senna

Senna was the sport’s qualifying gold standard, holding the pole record for years, and a rain specialist whose performances at Monaco and Donington entered legend. His rivalry with Alain Prost defined the late 1980s and early 1990s, with three world titles underscoring his peak. Senna’s intensity sometimes tipped into controversy, but his technical feedback, race-day bravery, and ability to summon speed on demand remain touchstones for modern drivers.

5) Max Verstappen

Verstappen’s sustained dominance in the current era—highlighted by single-season records for wins and points in 2023, plus the longest winning streak—has reshaped the statistical ceiling of what’s possible. A multiple-time world champion by his mid-20s, he has combined relentless pace with tire preservation and tactical acuity, evolving from raw aggression to near-flawless execution. Even adjusting for modern machinery and longer calendars, his peak level and efficiency against strong intra- and inter-team competition place him among the all-time elite.

Honorable mentions

Several legends narrowly miss the top five due to the extraordinary peaks of those selected, but their claims are compelling and era-defining in their own right.

• Alain Prost — Four-time champion known as “The Professor” for strategic mastery and consistency across evolving regulations.
• Jim Clark — Two-time champion with a staggering win rate, supreme car control, and versatility that extended to an Indianapolis 500 victory.
• Niki Lauda — Three-time champion, famed for his 1976 comeback and technical leadership that strengthened every team he joined.
• Sebastian Vettel — Four straight titles and 53 wins, a qualifying and stint-management ace in the blown-diffuser era.
• Fernando Alonso — Two titles and unmatched longevity, with elite racecraft and adaptability across radically different cars and eras.
• Stirling Moss — The greatest driver never to win a championship, celebrated for sportsmanship and speed across multiple disciplines.
• Jackie Stewart — Three-time champion and safety pioneer whose advocacy changed the sport’s standards.

These drivers shaped the sport’s competitive fabric, and each could feature in a top five depending on how one weighs peak performance, breadth of skill, machinery, and opposition.

Why reasonable people disagree

Comparing eras is inherently fraught: modern cars are safer, faster, and more reliable; calendars are longer; and team structures are more sophisticated. Earlier periods demanded different risks and skills, and statistical comparisons can underrate pioneers. Conversely, the modern field’s depth and data-driven parity can make sustained dominance exceptionally hard—amplifying the achievements of today’s greats. Any all-time list is a balancing act between numbers, narrative, and context.

Summary

Balancing dominance, adaptability, and era-adjusted impact, the top five F1 drivers are Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna, and Max Verstappen. Each redefined excellence in his time, and together they trace the evolution of what greatness looks like in Formula 1.

Who is considered the greatest F1 driver of all time?

There’s no single consensus, but the debate for the greatest F1 driver of all time primarily centers on Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, who are tied with seven world championships each. Other legends like Ayrton Senna, Juan Manuel Fangio, and the current driver Max Verstappen are also frequently mentioned in this discussion. The “greatest” depends on the criteria, such as statistics (Hamilton leads in many), era-specific performance (Fangio was dominant in the 1950s), or raw talent and iconic status (Senna’s legacy remains powerful). 
Key Drivers and Arguments

• Lewis Hamilton: Opens in new tabStatistically, he holds records for wins, podiums, and total points, and is tied with Schumacher for the most world championships. He’s often cited as the best of the modern era and has boosted the sport’s popularity. 
• Michael Schumacher: Opens in new tabAlso a seven-time world champion, he set a standard of dominance, particularly during his consecutive titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004. 
• Ayrton Senna: Opens in new tabA three-time champion known for his speed, pole positions, and a tragic legacy that continues to inspire fans and drivers. 
• Juan Manuel Fangio: Opens in new tabA legendary driver from the 1950s who won five world titles in a short, impactful career. He was dominant in his era. 
• Max Verstappen: Opens in new tabA contemporary of Hamilton and Schumacher, he has quickly accumulated multiple championships and is considered by some to be the best driver ever, according to figures like Gerhard Berger. 

Why It’s Debatable

• Statistical vs. Cultural Impact: Hamilton’s records are undeniable, but some argue that factors like team performance significantly influence success, a point highlighted by studies on the sport’s history. 
• Different Eras: Comparing drivers from different eras is difficult, as the cars, technology, tracks, and competition levels vary significantly over time. 
• Subjective Qualities: Personal admiration for a driver’s ambition, driving style, or overall presence also plays a role in who is considered the “greatest”. 

Who is the top Formula 1 driver?

There isn’t a single “best” Formula 1 driver, as the title can be subjective, but Lewis Hamilton is widely considered the statistically greatest due to holding records for most wins and tying for the most world championships. Other drivers like Michael Schumacher, who previously held many of Hamilton’s records, and Max Verstappen, the current dominant force in the sport, are also frequently mentioned among the all-time greats. 
Statistically-Based Greatness

• Lewis Hamilton: Opens in new tabHolds the record for the most Grand Prix victories and tied for the most world championships with Michael Schumacher. 
• Michael Schumacher: Opens in new tabA seven-time world champion with 91 wins, who set a standard of dominance before Hamilton’s achievements. 
• Max Verstappen: Opens in new tabA four-time consecutive world champion with numerous wins and a reputation for aggressive, dominant driving, making him a contender for the best of the modern era. 

Historical Legends & Other Greats

• Juan Manuel Fangio: Opens in new tabA dominant figure from the earlier days of F1, a long-time rival for the title of greatest. 
• Ayrton Senna: Opens in new tabA legendary driver known for his natural talent, passion, and incredible speed, particularly in the wet. 
• Alain Prost: Opens in new tabKnown as “The Professor” for his intelligent and cerebral approach to racing. 
• Jim Clark: Opens in new tabConsidered one of the most naturally gifted drivers in F1 history. 
• Fernando Alonso: Opens in new tabA seasoned and highly skilled driver who has been a consistent front-runner. 

Why the Debate Continues

• Different Eras: Drivers from different eras competed under different regulations, car technologies, and safety standards, making direct comparisons challenging. 
• Subjective Criteria: Some fans prioritize pure speed and talent, while others focus on career statistics, adaptability to different cars, or charisma. 
• Modern Dominance: Verstappen’s current reign adds another layer to the debate, with some seeing him as the best driver of the current era. 

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.

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.