Who is the No. 1 Racer in Formula 1?

Max Verstappen is the current “No. 1” in Formula 1: he carries car number 1 as the reigning World Drivers’ Champion and has elected to run the number since 2022, continuing into the 2025 season with Red Bull Racing. In competitive terms, he remains the benchmark driver on the grid based on recent titles and performance.

What “No. 1” Means in F1

In Formula 1, “No. 1” can refer to two related but distinct ideas: the official car number 1, which only the reigning World Drivers’ Champion is allowed to use, and the informal notion of the sport’s top-performing driver at a given moment. Understanding both helps clarify who holds the title and why it matters.

The following points explain the different ways “No. 1” is used in F1 discourse:

• Car number 1: Reserved exclusively for the reigning World Drivers’ Champion, who may choose to run it the following season (otherwise they keep their permanent number).
• Championship leader: During a season, the driver leading the points is often described as “number one” in form, even if their car number is different.
• Power rankings and perception: Media and paddock opinion often anoint a “number one” based on pace, wins, and racecraft, regardless of official numbering.

Taken together, the “No. 1” label can signal formal status (the champion’s number) and current supremacy (dominance on track), which sometimes, as now, align in a single driver.

Who Currently Runs Car Number 1

Max Verstappen (Oracle Red Bull Racing) uses car number 1 as the reigning World Drivers’ Champion. He first adopted the number after winning the 2021 title and has continued to run it through 2022, 2023, 2024, and into 2025. Under the FIA’s permanent number system introduced in 2014, only the reigning champion may use #1; otherwise, drivers retain their chosen permanent numbers (Verstappen’s is 33).

Recent Use of Car Number 1

Here is a concise look at how the #1 has been used in the modern era, illustrating how uncommon it is for champions to switch from their permanent numbers:

• 2014: Sebastian Vettel ran #1 as the reigning 2013 champion.
• 2015–2020: Lewis Hamilton chose to keep #44 instead of switching to #1 during his championship years.
• 2017: Nico Rosberg had retired after taking the 2016 title, so #1 was not used.
• 2022–2025: Max Verstappen revived #1 and has continued to run it as the reigning champion.

This pattern underscores how the #1 plate is both a privilege and a stylistic choice; Verstappen’s decision to display it has made the tradition visible again after several seasons without it.

If You Meant “Best Driver Right Now”

Beyond the literal car number, many fans ask who is the top driver in performance terms. On recent evidence, Verstappen holds that mantle, thanks to sustained dominance since 2022, record-setting win totals across seasons, and consistently elite qualifying and race pace. His closest challengers fluctuate with form and upgrades—Ferrari and McLaren have pushed hardest in recent years—yet the benchmark has largely remained the same.

Analysts typically weigh several factors when assessing the “best” driver at any given time:

1. Championships and points trajectory within the current season.
2. Win conversion, podium rate, and qualifying head-to-head versus teammates.
3. Error minimization under pressure and strategic race management.
4. Performance across track types (street circuits, high-speed venues, high-deg tracks).

Using these criteria, Verstappen’s combination of speed, consistency, and adaptability continues to set him apart, even as rivals close the gap at individual events.

How to Check the Up-to-the-Minute Leader

If you’re tracking who is “number one” in the standings at this moment, consult the FIA Formula One World Championship standings on the official F1 website or app, which update after every session and race. This is the authoritative source for live points, race results, and any regulatory changes that may affect classifications.

Summary

Max Verstappen is the No. 1 racer in F1 both officially—running car number 1 as the reigning World Drivers’ Champion—and competitively, given his sustained dominance over recent seasons. In Formula 1, the #1 plate is a champion’s prerogative, and Verstappen has chosen to wear it since 2022, reinforcing his current status at the top of the sport.

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 number one F1 racer?

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. 

Who is the best F1 racer right now?

Max Verstappen is widely considered the best F1 racer right now, having won the 2024 world championship and frequently being ranked as the top driver by media and drivers alike, despite his dominant car being one factor in his success. While his 2023 season was a record-breaking display of dominance, his 2024 season showcased his ability to win even when the car was not at its best, demonstrating impressive racecraft and resilience.
 
Why Max Verstappen is the best

• Dominant Performance: Verstappen won his fourth world championship in a row in 2024 and consistently performed well, even when the Red Bull car faced issues. 
• Resilience and Adaptability: Despite challenges with his car’s balance in 2024, he found solutions, often through hard work in the simulator, and continued to win races against tough competition. 
• Maturity and Racecraft: While his aggressive style remains, it’s now tempered with greater maturity and improved racecraft, allowing him to be both fast and smart on track. 
• Expert and Driver Recognition: Many experts and even fellow drivers have ranked Verstappen as the top driver on the grid. 
• Record-Breaking Season (2023): His 2023 season was historically dominant, setting new benchmarks for success in a single year. 

Other top contenders

• Lando Norris: Opens in new tabRanked highly by drivers and media, especially after a strong 2024 season, he’s shown significant improvement and is challenging for wins. 
• Charles Leclerc: Opens in new tabAlso a driver frequently mentioned in top rankings, Leclerc is a strong competitor who has been part of thrilling battles for the championship. 
• Fernando Alonso: Opens in new tabA veteran driver who continues to impress, even in a less-than-dominant car, showing his skill and experience. 

Is Max Verstappen the best driver?

Max Verstappen is considered one of the greatest F1 drivers ever, having won four consecutive World Drivers’ Championships and many Grand Prix wins, but whether he is “the best” is subjective and depends on personal opinion and differing criteria. While his driving skill is undeniable and he’s praised for his ability to drive fast in any condition, some argue that being the absolute best also requires having the best car, though others point to his ability to perform exceptionally even when the car is not dominant.
 
Arguments for Max Verstappen being the best:

• Championships: He has won multiple consecutive World Drivers’ Championships, which is a significant indicator of consistent success. 
• Dominance: He is seen as the top driver of his generation, with many fans and experts already placing him among the “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) contenders. 
• Adaptability: He is noted for his innate feel for a car and his instinctive ability to use that knowledge to maximize its performance in various conditions. 
• Versatility: He has demonstrated an ability to perform exceptionally even when the car is not the best on the grid. 

Arguments against him being the undisputed best:

• Car Performance: Some argue that a significant part of his success is due to the high-quality Red Bull car. 
• Subjectivity: “Best” is a difficult term to define objectively, as it can be influenced by factors beyond pure driving skill, such as team performance or the era in which a driver competes. 

Key Takeaway:
While Max Verstappen’s achievements and abilities are outstanding, leading many to consider him the best F1 driver, the ultimate title of “best” remains a matter of personal perspective and debate.