In a sport that can be so unforgiving whereby one mistake can cost your life, Sport.co.uk runs through the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. Looking beyond just points, podiums and wins, here is a list of those drivers that have made the sport what it is today; legends who were willing to stare death in the face for that elusive win or perfect manoeuvre.
1. Aryton Senna 1984-1994 (Brazilian)
One of the greatest sportsmen to have graced the planet, Senna was nothing short of breathtaking behind the wheel. His three Championships do not reflect the true brilliance of his ability. Never before, or since, has a driver’s personality been seen so visible in their driving style. Passionate, determined and utterly dazzling, it is no coincidence that even now, nearly fifteen years since his death, Senna flags still adorn Grand Prix tracks worldwide.
2. Michael Schumacher 1991-2006 (German)
Statistics don’t lie and Schumacher tops them all, well all the good ones anyway. Like The Terminator of Formula One, once he had a target in mind there was no stopping him; put simply, it was victory whatever the cost. His true ability though, lay in the precision with which he drove, rarely missing a breaking point or apex, he represents everything great about the Germans; efficient, determined, methodical, and aggression where necessary. Schumacher was almost robotic in his desire to be the best.
3. Juan Maunel Fangio 1950-1958 (Argentinean)
The first star of Formula One he would win five championships despite only driving for eight years. In an age where ‘safety measures’ didn’t exist, Fangio’s sheer speed and control put him head and shoulders above his contemporaries. It is testament to the quality of Fangio, that every great driver since has been compared to him.
4. Alain Prost 1980-1993 (French)
Nicknamed “The Professor”, Prost was the archetypal intellectual of F1. Prost was a superb tactician as well a brilliant driver as his four world titles attest to. Where Senna relied on instinct, Prost was one of the great thinkers, and it was their great rivalry that reignited the sport during the mid 1980’s and early 1990’s. That he toppled the Brazilian on more than one occasion is proof that he really was something special.
5. Jim Clark 1960-1968 (British)
One of the sports best loved drivers, Clark was competitive behind the wheel of any car. Driving his entire career for Lotus, he is the only driver to ever win a Formula One World Title while also winning the Indianapolis 500. Clark would win two driver’s championships before being tragically killed in an F2 race that he was contractually obliged to enter. His blistering speed on the track was matched by his charms off it. He is regarded as one of the great gentlemen of motor sport, and is one of the most fondly remembered champions.
6. Jackie Stewart 1965-1973 (British)
Like Schumacher since, Stewart was a master of precision driving, mixing unerring speed with breathtaking accuracy. He would go onto win three Championships, while always crusading for greater driver safety. The affable Scotsmen knew what it took to win, and his expertise was later harnessed when he managed his own F1 team. To many he is the Yoda of Formula One.
7. Niki Lauda 1971-1985 (Austrian)
A no nonsense driver who was nicknamed “The Computer” as a result of his calculating technique. Lauda became something of a saviour to the then ailing Ferrari team. His methodical, programmed approach to the sport; even selling his trophies to a local garage for free car washes, would lead him to three championships between 1971-85. The fact that he had the minimum reconstructive surgery after his near fatal burns shows just how unrelenting he was.
8. Jack Brabham 1955-1970 (Australian)
A three times Championship winning Aussie, who is still the only driver to win a title in a car that bore his name. Brabham was famous for being a man of few words but was only too happy to show his aggression on the circuit, by spraying his nearest competitors with loose gravel in his ruthless pursuit of glory.
9. Nelsinho Piquet Sr. 1978-1991 (Brazilian)
Although never the most polished of drivers Piquet’s appetite for life and love of fast cars saw him crowned Champion on 3 occasions. Piquet was as famous off the track as on it, and was something of a playboy to the sport, thriving on the glitz and glamour of Formula One. Fast cars and even faster women, Piquet embodied the romance of top level motor sport. If it weren’t for his over inflated ego, and decadent lifestyle he may have found himself higher up this list.
10. Lewis Hamilton 2007-Present (British)
Perhaps too early to be in such privileged company but the truth is, Hamilton has so much to offer it is hard to leave him off this list. His raw driving technique has led to criticisms but it has also allowed him to become the youngest Formula One Champion. Although better drivers may eventually push him off this list, as long as McClaren see him as their boy wonder he will continue to remain at the pinnacle of the sport.