Who is a famous F1 driver?

Lewis Hamilton is a famous Formula 1 driver, widely recognized for a record-tying seven world championships and the most Grand Prix victories in history; other household names include Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Max Verstappen. This article outlines why Hamilton is emblematic of F1 fame and situates him alongside other icons whose achievements and influence have defined the sport across eras.

Profile: Lewis Hamilton

Born in Stevenage, England, Lewis Hamilton debuted with McLaren in 2007, won his first title in 2008, and became the face of the Mercedes hybrid era from 2014 onward. Beyond raw statistics, he is known for relentless racecraft, mastery in variable conditions, and a cultural impact that extends far beyond the paddock.

Career highlights and records

The following key points summarize Hamilton’s most consequential achievements and milestones that underpin his standing as a modern F1 standard-bearer.

• Seven World Drivers’ Championships (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017–2020), tied for the most in history.
• All-time leader in Grand Prix victories and pole positions, underscoring dominance over multiple technical eras.
• Set numerous longevity marks, including winning Grands Prix across a record number of seasons; his 2024 British Grand Prix victory extended his run of winning seasons to an unprecedented span and delivered a record eighth home win at Silverstone.
• Pivotal figure in Mercedes’ hybrid-era supremacy, shaping team strategy and car development from 2014 through 2021.
• Confirmed move to Ferrari for the 2025 season (announced in early 2024), a landmark transfer poised to reshape the competitive narrative.

Taken together, these achievements illustrate not only historical dominance but also adaptability, with elite performances stretching from refueling-era racing to the complex hybrid power unit epoch.

Teams and eras

Hamilton’s arc spans formative years with McLaren—where he nearly won the title as a rookie in 2007 and sealed it in 2008—to a transformative switch to Mercedes in 2013, catalyzing one of the most successful partnerships in F1 history. His 2025 move to Ferrari signals a new chapter, blending the sport’s most storied marque with its most decorated active driver.

Other iconic F1 drivers

While Hamilton epitomizes contemporary F1 fame, several drivers from different generations command enduring recognition for titles, artistry, and seismic influence on the sport.

• Michael Schumacher: Seven-time champion whose Ferrari era dominance (early 2000s) set benchmarks for professionalism and preparation.
• Ayrton Senna: Three-time champion revered for qualifying brilliance and wet-weather mastery; a cultural icon whose legacy transcends statistics.
• Max Verstappen: Multiple-time champion of the 2020s with record-setting win totals in single seasons, emblematic of the current Red Bull era.
• Juan Manuel Fangio: Five-time champion of the 1950s, famed for precision and adaptability across teams and machinery.
• Alain Prost: Four-time champion, “The Professor,” known for strategic intelligence and consistency.
• Sebastian Vettel: Four-time champion who dominated the early 2010s, notable for versatility across different team projects.
• Fernando Alonso: Two-time champion whose longevity and racecraft keep him competitive well into the modern era.
• Niki Lauda: Three-time champion whose comeback from a near-fatal 1976 crash exemplifies resilience; later a crucial executive presence at Mercedes.

These names anchor F1’s historical timeline, offering touchpoints for how greatness has looked in different technical regulations, competitive landscapes, and cultural moments.

What makes an F1 driver “famous”

Fame in Formula 1 is built on more than titles. It reflects a blend of competitive excellence, longevity, charisma, and the ability to shape how the sport is raced and perceived.

1. Records and championships: Sustained success against elite competition cements reputations.
2. Era-defining performances: Dominance during regulatory shifts or against strong rivals magnifies impact.
3. Rivalries and narratives: Memorable duels (e.g., Senna–Prost; Hamilton–Vettel; Verstappen–Hamilton) fuel global attention.
4. Adaptability and longevity: Winning across cars, rules, and teams signals all-time caliber.
5. Cultural influence: Visibility beyond the track—advocacy, media presence, and crossover appeal—broadens fame.

Together, these factors shape a driver’s public profile, distinguishing headline stars from merely successful competitors.

The current competitive picture

In the early-to-mid 2020s, Max Verstappen and Red Bull set a blistering pace, rewriting single-season records and forcing rivals to innovate rapidly. McLaren surged back into contention with a strong development curve led by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while Ferrari’s race-winning potential re-emerged alongside consistent podium threats. Mercedes worked through a reset after its title-winning run, with Hamilton’s 2024 Silverstone victory highlighting progress. Looking ahead, Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari in 2025 promises a marquee storyline, while Verstappen’s sustained peak continues to define the competitive bar.

Where to learn more

For readers seeking deeper context—statistics, race analysis, and historical perspectives—the following resources offer reliable, regularly updated coverage.

• Formula1.com: Official news, live timing, and archival stats across drivers and eras.
• FIA publications: Regulatory documents and official standings for each season.
• Team media hubs (Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren): Technical updates, driver interviews, and behind-the-scenes features.
• Documentaries and series: “Drive to Survive” for narrative-driven season overviews; feature films and biographies for historical depth.
• Specialist outlets: Autosport, The Race, and Motorsport.com for technical analysis and paddock reporting.

Combining official sources with specialist analysis provides both authoritative data and nuanced interpretation of performance trends.

Summary

Lewis Hamilton stands as a famous F1 driver—arguably the defining figure of the modern era—owing to record-equalling titles, unmatched poles and wins, and enduring relevance across evolving regulations. He shares the pantheon with Schumacher, Senna, Verstappen, and other greats whose rivalries and records shaped the sport’s identity. As the competitive landscape evolves, particularly with Hamilton’s 2025 Ferrari move and Verstappen’s sustained dominance, the contours of F1 fame continue to be written in real time.

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 famous F1 driver?

There are many famous F1 drivers, but among the most well-known are Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Ayrton Senna due to their record-breaking careers and lasting legacies. Hamilton holds records for most wins and pole positions, Schumacher shares the record for most championships, and Senna is remembered for his charisma and humanitarian work. 
Currently Active Drivers 

• Max Verstappen: He is a top-tier driver with numerous wins and is considered a prominent figure in the current era of Formula 1.

Historical Legends

• Ayrton Senna: Opens in new tabRevered for his charisma and inspiring humanitarian efforts, he left an indelible mark on the sport with his talent and generosity, particularly in his native Brazil. 
• Michael Schumacher: Opens in new tabA legendary driver, he is tied with Lewis Hamilton for the most World Drivers’ Championships and is known for his incredible achievements. 
• Sir Stirling Moss: Opens in new tabThough never a champion, he was a “champion with no crown” and an incredibly fast and skilled driver in his time. 

Why They Are Famous

• Record-Breaking Stats: Drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are famous for holding multiple records, such as most wins, pole positions, and championships. 
• Charisma and Personality: Legends like Ayrton Senna are remembered not only for their driving but also for their unique personalities and public appeal. 
• Humanitarian Efforts: Senna’s dedication to philanthropy, particularly through the Instituto Ayrton Senna, has cemented his legacy beyond racing. 
• Impact on the Sport: Drivers who significantly change the sport’s history or inspire future generations, like Senna, are often considered the most famous. 

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 the most popular F1 driver?

There is no single “most popular” Formula 1 driver, as popularity varies by region and metric, but Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen are consistently cited as among the most popular currently, with Verstappen also topping polls voted on by fellow drivers. Other drivers frequently mentioned for their star power include Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. 
Here’s a breakdown by different measures of popularity:
Fan Surveys & Social Media

• Lando Norris . Opens in new tabis a popular choice, especially with younger audiences, due to his engaging social media presence and relatable personality, according to The Race Fan Census. 
• Charles Leclerc . Opens in new tabis also very popular, particularly as the “face of Ferrari,” and ranks highly in fan surveys and on social media. 
• Lewis Hamilton . Opens in new tabremains incredibly popular and has the most social media followers among F1 drivers. 
• Max Verstappen . Opens in new tabalso features highly in these polls and is a favorite among his peers. 

Google Searches 

• In the U.S., search popularity varies by state, with drivers like Kevin Magnussen, Max Verstappen, and Logan Sargeant leading in different regions, while Lando Norris and Lance Stroll also showed strong search interest.

Driver Polls 

• Max Verstappen: was voted driver of the year by his peers for three consecutive years (2021-2023) and was also ranked number one in a poll of F1 drivers in 2024.