Who is the famous F1 driver?

There is no single “the famous” F1 driver; globally, the most widely recognized names are Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, with Ayrton Senna revered as an icon and Max Verstappen the standout star of the current era. Fame in Formula 1 spans different generations and criteria—titles, records, cultural impact, and present-day dominance all shape who tops public awareness.

Why the answer isn’t singular

Fame in Formula 1 is fluid and context-dependent. Fans of different eras cite different heroes, while mainstream recognition often follows record-breaking seasons, cultural visibility, and off-track influence. Media exposure, social media reach, and landmark storylines—from dramatic title fights to pioneering activism—also determine who resonates beyond the sport.

The leading names that define F1 fame

The following drivers are most frequently identified by fans and the broader public as the faces of Formula 1, each for distinct reasons ranging from statistical dominance to cultural legacy.

• Lewis Hamilton — Record-setting seven-time champion, the sport’s all-time wins leader, and a global cultural figure.
• Michael Schumacher — The benchmark of the Ferrari era, seven world titles, transformative impact on modern F1 professionalism.
• Ayrton Senna — Revered for his virtuosity and charisma; his legacy transcends sport following his 1994 death at Imola.
• Max Verstappen — The defining talent of the 2020s, rewriting single-season records and anchoring a new wave of fandom.
• Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel — Multi-title titans whose longevity and narratives broaden F1’s reach across generations.

Together, these names map the arc of F1’s global fame—from historic heroes to today’s dominant force—showing why the question invites more than one correct answer.

Profiles of the most famous drivers

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton is, for many, the most famous active F1 driver. He holds seven world championships (2008, 2014–2015, 2017–2020), is F1’s all-time wins leader with 104 Grand Prix victories, and owns the pole-position record (104). His 2024 British Grand Prix triumph ended a win drought dating to 2021 and set a new record for most wins at a single race. Beyond the track, Hamilton’s advocacy for diversity and sustainability, fashion collaborations, and celebrity profile have carried F1 into mainstream culture. In a blockbuster move, he has signed to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, reshaping the grid’s balance of star power.

Michael Schumacher

Schumacher’s seven titles (1994–1995, 2000–2004) and 91 wins set the standard in the modern era and cemented Ferrari’s early-2000s dominance. His relentless preparation and fitness revolutionized driver standards. Schumacher’s name remains synonymous with F1 excellence, and public fascination endures amid the family’s guarded privacy following his 2013 skiing accident.

Ayrton Senna

Senna’s legend blends raw speed, mystique, and human vulnerability. A three-time champion (1988, 1990–1991), he set a then-record 65 poles and delivered some of the sport’s most indelible qualifying laps. His fatal crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix transformed safety culture in F1 and elevated his legacy far beyond statistics. Senna remains a touchstone for drivers and fans alike.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen is the face of F1’s current phase. He won three consecutive titles (2021–2023) and shattered single-season records—19 wins in 2022 and 21 in 2023—fueling Red Bull’s dominance. As of late 2024, he continued to set the pace most weekends, commanding a vast international fanbase and drawing new, younger audiences to the sport.

Other icons across eras

F1’s fame is a deep bench. Sebastian Vettel won four straight titles (2010–2013) with Red Bull, then helped re-energize Ferrari. Fernando Alonso, a two-time champion (2005–2006), has extended his renaissance with podiums into the mid-2020s and re-signed with Aston Martin through 2026. Earlier, Juan Manuel Fangio’s five 1950s titles set the first gold standard, Alain Prost’s four brought cerebral precision, and Niki Lauda’s comeback after a near-fatal 1976 crash remains one of sport’s defining stories.

How fame is measured in F1 today

Several overlapping factors influence who is perceived as the sport’s most famous driver at any given time. These elements often reinforce each other, especially during dominant seasons or breakthrough cultural moments.

• Competitive record: championships, race wins, poles, and longevity.
• Era-defining narratives: rivalries, comebacks, and dominant seasons.
• Cultural reach: mainstream media presence, activism, and brand partnerships.
• Digital footprint: social media following, streaming-era visibility (e.g., Netflix’s Drive to Survive).
• Market impact: sponsorship value, merchandise sales, and global fanbase growth.

When these factors converge—records plus resonance—drivers move beyond sport into enduring public consciousness.

What to watch now

The sport is in transition. Hamilton’s 2025 switch to Ferrari creates a superteam storyline with Charles Leclerc and intensifies intrigue around Mercedes and the wider driver market. Verstappen’s continued supremacy remains the benchmark for others to challenge. With new technical regulations slated for 2026, including power unit changes, the next cycle could once again shuffle who sits atop both the results sheets and the fame ladder.

Summary

No single driver owns the title of “the famous F1 driver.” Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher stand as the most globally recognized names, Ayrton Senna endures as the sport’s eternal icon, and Max Verstappen is the current era’s dominant figure. Together, they illustrate how F1 fame is built—on achievement, narrative, and cultural impact across generations.

What happened with Lewis Hamilton?

Lewis Hamilton is struggling in his first season with Ferrari in 2025, experiencing a difficult transition with the new team, car, and culture. His performances have been inconsistent, marked by both a surprising Sprint victory in China and struggles in qualifying and races, though his performance is seen as respectable given the circumstances. A recent incident at the Dutch Grand Prix resulted in a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, where he failed to slow for double yellow flags, adding another challenge to his debut season with Ferrari.
 
Struggles at Ferrari: 

• New Environment: Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari for 2025 has proven challenging, as he’s adjusting to a new car, engine, team, and culture.
• Inconsistent Performance: While he achieved a Sprint victory in China, his overall performance has been mixed, including a single point in the first race and a disqualification in China due to plank wear.
• Qualifying and Race Pace: There’s a notable and surprising gap in performance between Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, especially in qualifying.
• Self-Criticism: Hamilton has shown frustration after poor sessions, sometimes criticizing himself and the team in the immediate aftermath of qualifying.

Recent Incidents: 

• Dutch Grand Prix: At the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton crashed out and was also given a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix after failing to slow sufficiently for double yellow flags before the pit entry.

Context and Outlook:

• Switching Teams: Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has indicated that Hamilton, accustomed to the stability of Mercedes, might be finding the adjustment to Ferrari more challenging than expected. 
• Long-Term Commitment: Hamilton is committed to rebuilding Ferrari and has stated his intention to return after the summer break, though the period has been particularly difficult. 
• Future Hopes: Despite the early struggles, there’s hope that Hamilton’s experience and influence can help guide Ferrari through this challenging period. 

Which F1 driver is most popular?

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. 

Who is the greatest F1 driver in history?

There’s no single consensus on the greatest Formula 1 driver, but Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are most frequently cited due to their record-breaking statistical achievements, with Hamilton holding the records for most wins, pole positions, and podiums. Ayrton Senna is also considered a top contender, revered for his natural talent and significant fan impact, even winning a fan poll as the best driver of all time. Other drivers like Max Verstappen, Alain Prost, and Sebastian Vettel are also frequently mentioned in discussions of F1’s all-time greats. 
Key Contenders & Their Strengths

• Lewis Hamilton: Opens in new tabHolds the records for most career wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (202), and shares the record for seven World Championships. He is often considered the greatest of the modern era due to his longevity and sustained success. 
• Michael Schumacher: Opens in new tabTied with Hamilton for the most World Championships (7) and held the record for most wins before Hamilton surpassed him. His record-breaking career set the benchmark for F1 success. 
• Ayrton Senna: Opens in new tabThough he has fewer statistical records than Hamilton or Schumacher, Senna is considered by many to be the most naturally gifted and a clear fan favorite, often cited for his legacy and unforgettable moments. 
• Max Verstappen: Opens in new tabAs a prominent contemporary driver, Verstappen is also frequently mentioned for his exceptional talent and has already achieved significant success, with some even calling him the best driver to ever race. 
• Alain Prost: Opens in new tabOften ranked among the top, particularly after Senna, as a multi-time World Champion. 

Factors Beyond Statistics

• Legacy & Impact: Greatness in F1 isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about the driver’s impact on the sport, the legacy they leave, and the iconic moments they create. 
• Driver Quality vs. Car Quality: Some argue that drivers like Senna and Schumacher achieved greatness with less dominant machinery at times, while others argue that Hamilton benefited from consistently top-tier cars. 
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, “greatest” is a subjective term, and fans often have different criteria, leading to debates between fans of different eras and styles of driving. 

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.