Top 5 Greatest F1 Drivers in History

As we close to another F1 weekend full of excitement, we are unveiling the crème de la crème of Formula 1's illustrious history. This listicle celebrates the top five greatest drivers ever to grace the sport. From masterful strategists to fearless speed demons, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. 

Throughout its illustrious 74-year history, Formula 1 has been a breeding ground for global superstars, with numerous drivers attaining household name status. Over the years, a total of 776 drivers have graced the tracks of F1 Grand Prix events. Yet, only a select few have earned the prestigious distinction of being deemed "Hall of Fame" worthy. So, join us as we count down the titans of the track, each one a legend in their own right, as we explore what makes them the epitome of greatness in Formula 1 racing.

Here are the 5 greatest drivers to grace F1:

5. Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel might not get enough praise because his Formula 1 career didn't end so well in 2022. But let's not forget his amazing four years at Red Bull, especially in 2011 and 2013 when he won the championship early. He used to be hard to beat, especially when he started at the front of the grid. Even though he moved to Ferrari and didn't win more championships, he's still considered a great in the sport, especially since he learned a lot from Schumacher, who was his mentor.

4. Max Verstappen 

What's scary about Verstappen making it onto this list is that he's only 26 years old, and he could still be at the top for another ten years. The guy from the Netherlands has won the world championship three times, and the last two years have been super impressive – like, the most dominant ever by any driver in F1 history. 

He started racing for Toro Rosso when he was just 17, and then moved up to Red Bull, winning his first race there in 2016. It took a bit more time for him to challenge for the title, but in 2021, he managed to beat Lewis Hamilton and become the champ. Maybe one day, he'll even be number one on this list!

3. Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna was just an incredible driver in Formula 1 as he left behind many great memories in just a decade-long career. However, people often wonder what could have been if his career hadn't been cut short. He was known for his amazing talent and skill, and ruthless driving on the track. Even when he raced with slower cars, he still performed exceptionally well. 

His rivalry with Prost is famous and shaped F1 in the late 80s and early 90s. Senna won three championships with McLaren, but his tragic death while driving for Williams shocked the world. A documentary called "Senna," released in 2010, celebrated his life and career. Even today, fans love Senna for his charm, outspokenness, and, most of all, his incredible talent.

2. Lewis Hamilton

The man who leads in most of the important records is a 38-year-old from Stevenage. He became a big name in F1 since his debut in 2007. Just two years after starting in the sport, he became a world champion. Fans and Many experts say that he's the most exciting new driver since Senna. Hamilton had to wait a bit before winning another championship. 

In 2014, he won again after moving to Mercedes. This started a great partnership where he won six more titles with Mercedes. Fans love Hamilton's aggressive driving style. However, he faces criticism as some say he won all these because he had the best car. However, he's shown his skill over the years. If he wins an eighth title, he'd be considered the greatest in the sport. And he still wants more as he is set to move to Ferrari next year.

1. Michael schumacher

One of the greatest Formula 1 drivers ever is Michael Schumacher. He won the world championship seven times, which is a record shared with Lewis Hamilton. Schumacher was amazing during the 2000s, winning lots of races and being the best driver on the track.

He won his first two championships in the 1990s when he drove for Benetton. Schumacher was known for being competitive and great at driving in the rain. Then, he joined Ferrari and won five more titles in a row from 2000 to 2004. During those years, he broke many records and was unbeatable.

Schumacher was not only a great driver but also very disciplined. He trained a lot and set a new standard for fitness in F1. Sadly, after retiring, he had a bad accident while skiing in 2013 and hurt his brain. He is still recovering, and not much is known about his condition.