Formula One, also known as F1, is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with millions of fans following the action-packed races every year. The adrenaline-fueled competition, which features the world’s best drivers racing against each other at high speeds, has produced many legendary drivers over the years. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 most famous F1 drivers in the world in 2023.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is one of the most famous and successful F1 drivers of all time. He has won seven World Championships and has the most pole positions and Grand Prix wins of any driver in history. Hamilton has won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide with his incredible driving skills, charismatic personality, and humanitarian work off the track. In 2023, he remains the most dominant and popular driver in the sport.
First race: 2007 Australian Grand Prix
World Championships: 7 (2008, 2014-15, 2017-20)
Number of races: 315
Number of wins: 103
Number of pole positions: 103
Career points: 4461.5
Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher is another legendary F1 driver who is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He won seven World Championships, and 91 Grand Prix races, and holds many other records in the sport. Schumacher retired from racing in 2012 but remains a beloved figure in the F1 community. In 2023, he remains a role model for many young drivers.
First race: 1991 Belgian Grand Prix
World Championships: 7 (1994-95, 2000-04)
Number of races: 308
Number of wins: 91
Number of pole positions: 68
Career points: 1566
Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel burst onto the F1 scene in 2007 and quickly established himself as a talented driver. He has won four World Championships and has the third-most Grand Prix wins of all time. Vettel is known for his passionate personality, his love for the sport, and his technical skill as a driver. In 2023, he remains a force to be reckoned with on the track.
First race: 2007 United States Grand Prix
World Championships: 4 (2010-13)
Number of races: 300
Number of wins: 53
Number of pole positions: 57
Career points: 3098
Alain Prost
Alain Prost is a retired French F1 driver who is widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest drivers. He won four World Championships and 51 Grand Prix races during his career. Prost was known for his intelligent and strategic driving style, as well as his rivalry with Ayrton Senna. In 2023, he remains an icon in the F1 community.
First race: 1980 Argentinian Grand Prix
World Championships: 4 (1985-86, 1989, 1993)
Number of races: 199
Number of wins: 51
Number of pole positions: 33
Career points: 768.5
Ayrton Senna
Ayrton Senna is another legendary F1 driver who is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He won three World Championships and 41 Grand Prix races during his career. Senna was known for his incredible driving skills, his fierce competitive spirit, and his passion for the sport. In 2023, he remains a beloved figure in the F1 community, despite his tragic death in 1994.
First race: 1984 Brazilian Grand Prix
World Championships: 3 (1988, 1990-91)
Number of races: 161
Number of wins: 41
Number of pole positions: 65
Career points: 610
Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen is a Dutch F1 driver who burst onto the scene in 2015 at the age of 17. He has since established himself as one of the most talented and exciting drivers in the sport. Verstappen has won several Grand Prix races and is known for his aggressive driving style and fearless attitude on the track. In 2023, he is one of the rising stars of the sport.
First race: 2015 Australian Grand Prix
World championships: 2 (2021, 2022)
Number of races: 168
Number of wins: 37
Number of pole positions: 22
Career points: 2130.5
Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso is a Spanish F1 driver who has won two World Championships and 32 Grand Prix races during his career. Alonso is known for his technical skill and his ability to adapt to different car models. He is also known for his passionate personality and his dedication to the sport. In 2023, he remains a respected and admired figure in the F1 community.
First race: 2001 Australian Grand Prix
World Championships: 2 (2005-06)
Number of races: 363
Number of wins: 32
Number of pole positions: 22
Career points: 2136
Nigel Mansell
Nigel Mansell is a retired British racing driver who won the Formula One World Championship in 1992. He made his debut in 1980 and competed for teams including Lotus, Williams, and Ferrari. Mansell was recognized for his daring and determined driving style, as well as his never-say-die mentality. He won 31 Grand Prix races during his career and also had success in other forms of motorsport including Indycar.
First race: 1980 Austrian Grand Prix
World Championships: 1 (1992)
Number of races: 187
Number of wins: 31
Number of pole positions: 32
Career points: 482
Jackie Stewart
Sir Jackie Stewart is a retired Scottish racing driver who won three Formula One World Championships. He made his debut in 1965 and competed for teams including BRM, Matra, and Tyrrell. Stewart was known for his smooth and precise driving style and his commitment to driver safety. He was instrumental in the development of safety measures in Formula One and was a vocal advocate for the use of seat belts and helmets.
First race: 1965 South African Grand Prix
World Championships: 3 (1969, 1971, 1973)
Number of races: 99
Number of wins: 27
Number of pole positions: 17
Career points: 360
Niki Lauda
Niki Lauda was an Austrian racing driver who won three Formula One World Championships. He made his debut in 1971 and competed for teams including Ferrari, Brabham, and McLaren. Lauda was known for his technical knowledge and his ability to extract the maximum performance from his car. He won his first World Championship in 1975, and then famously came back from a near-fatal crash at the Nurburgring in 1976 to win the title again in 1977 and 1984.
First race: 1971 Austrian Grand Prix
World Championships: 3 (1975, 1977, 1984)
Number of races: 171
Number of wins: 25
Number of pole positions: 24
Career points: 420.5
Conclusion
The world of Formula One has produced many famous and talented drivers over the years, but these ten stand out as the most famous and iconic. Each driver has left their mark on the sport in their own way, whether it be through their driving style, their technical knowledge, or their commitment to driver safety. From the dominance of Michael Schumacher to the fearless aggression of Max Verstappen, these drivers have entertained and inspired fans around the world, and their legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.