Who is the No. 1 F1 racer in the world?

In Formula 1, “No. 1” most commonly refers to the reigning World Drivers’ Champion—the only driver entitled to race with car number 1—and that is Max Verstappen. In week-to-week terms, fans also use “No. 1” to mean the driver leading the current championship standings, which can change from race to race during the season.

What “No. 1” actually means in Formula 1

The phrase can point to different, equally valid yardsticks. Here’s how the sport and its followers typically define it.

• Reigning World Drivers’ Champion: The official benchmark. The champion has the right to use car number 1 the following season.
• Current championship leader: The driver atop the points table at any point during the season.
• Form and dominance: Who’s setting the pace on wins, poles, race pace, and consistency over the recent run of races.
• Legacy debates: All-time “greatest” status based on career titles, wins, poles, and impact—separate from the current season’s pecking order.

Together, these lenses explain why one name may be “No. 1” officially while another might be seen as the form driver at a given moment.

The reigning champion and the right to carry car number 1

Formula 1’s clearest definition of “No. 1” is the reigning World Drivers’ Champion. Since earning his first title in 2021, Max Verstappen has become the sport’s dominant figure and has chosen to race with car number 1 on his Red Bull when eligible, underscoring his status as the benchmark driver of this era. His sustained run of wins, poles, and title defenses has made him the sport’s reference point in performance terms as well.

How to verify who is on top right now

Because the championship order evolves every race weekend, the live points leader—the week-to-week “No. 1”—is best confirmed through official sources.

1. Formula1.com Standings: The official, real-time World Drivers’ Championship table.
2. FIA Championship Documents: The governing body’s bulletins and classifications after each Grand Prix.
3. Team and Driver Channels: Post-race summaries and graphics that mirror the official standings.

Checking these after each Grand Prix ensures you’re seeing the latest, authoritative picture of who leads the world championship.

Why there’s no universal “world number one” ranking

Unlike tennis or golf, F1 has no separate, rolling points index across seasons. The only formal hierarchy is the annual championship table, reset to zero every year. That’s why “No. 1” is either the reigning champion (officially) or the current points leader (situationally), while broader debates about the “best” driver weigh form and career achievements.

Key factors people use to judge the “No. 1” driver

Beyond titles and the points table, analysts and fans look at a blend of performance indicators.

• Titles and title defenses: Championships remain the most powerful credential.
• Win rate and podium consistency: Signals week-in, week-out dominance.
• Qualifying vs. race pace: Pole positions, average starting spot, and race execution.
• Head-to-head vs. teammate: Performance in identical machinery.
• Error rate and pressure moments: Clean races, clutch overtakes, and strategy execution.

Taken together, these metrics explain why the reigning champion is typically also considered the sport’s top active driver, unless the balance of power shifts mid-season.

Bottom line

Max Verstappen is the sport’s de facto “No. 1” as the reigning World Drivers’ Champion and the driver entitled to carry car number 1. If you’re asking who is “No. 1” today in the standings, consult the latest official championship table—because that leader can change with every Grand Prix.

Summary

There’s no year-round global ranking in F1; “No. 1” officially means the reigning world champion, currently Max Verstappen. In practical terms, fans also call the live points leader the “No. 1” at any moment, which is why checking the official standings after each race is the most reliable way to see who sits on top right now.

Why is Verstappen no. 1?

Verstappen chose to race with number one – reserved for the world champion from the previous year – on his car for the 2022 season. And following a second consecutive championship triumph last season, the Red Bull driver is set to continue racing with number one on his car in 2023.

Who is the world’s best F1 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 ranked 1 in F1?

In Formula 1, the number 1 is reserved for the reigning Formula 1 World Champion and is optional for them to use. Currently, Max Verstappen is using the number 1 on his car because he is the reigning champion and chose to switch from his previous number, 33, after winning his first title in 2021.
 
Why Drivers Use Number 1

• World Champion’s Privilege: The number 1 is a prestigious symbol of the World Champion. 
• Driver’s Choice: While the number is reserved, drivers are not obligated to use it. Some drivers, like Lewis Hamilton, choose to retain their personal numbers for branding and personal significance. 
• Max Verstappen’s Choice: After winning his first world championship in 2021, Verstappen made the straightforward decision to take number 1. 

History of Driver Numbers

• Pre-2014: Numbers were largely assigned based on the previous year’s Constructors’ standings, with the champion always using #1. 
• Post-2014: Drivers gained the ability to select their own permanent numbers at the start of their careers, with number 1 still available to the reigning champion. 

Which F1 driver is number 1?

The “number 1” in F1 refers to the number reserved for the reigning world champion, which in recent years has been Max Verstappen. Verstappen has raced with the number 1 on his car since his first championship in 2021, continuing to hold the title and the number through the 2024 season.
 
Why Max Verstappen uses Number 1

• Reigning Champion: The number 1 is a privilege for the current world champion, a choice Max Verstappen has made for his car every year since 2021. 
• Championship Dominance: Verstappen won the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 World Drivers’ Championships, maintaining his reign and the right to use the number 1. 
• Symbol of Supremacy: Using the number 1 signifies his status as the best driver in the sport, continuing a long tradition in Formula 1. 

Other Notable “Number 1” Racers in F1 History

• Lewis Hamilton: He is one of the most successful drivers in F1 history and held the number 1 for some time. 
• Michael Schumacher: The previous record-holder for most race wins, he also raced with the number 1 after winning his championships.