Notable Past Drivers

Hover over each driver to see their championships and why they are remembered in Formula 1 history.

Juan Manuel Fangio
Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina)
5-time World Champion (1951, 1954, 1955)
Dominated F1’s first decade with remarkable skill and precision across multiple teams. Set foundational standards for speed and adaptability in the sport.
Jack Brabham
Jack Brabham (Australia)
3-time World Champion (1959, 1960, 1966)
First driver to win championships as both driver and constructor. Innovated as a driver-engineer, impacting car development significantly.
Graham Hill
Graham Hill (UK)
2-time World Champion (1962, 1968)
British racing stalwart known for versatility and determination. Symbolized the British heritage in motorsport.
Jim Clark
Jim Clark (UK)
2-time World Champion (1963, 1965)
Known for smooth driving and great speed during the 1960s. Embodied natural talent and racing purity.
John Surtees
John Surtees (UK)
1-time World Champion (1964)
A unique dual-sport motorsport legend, he's the only person to win world titles on both motorcycles and in Formula 1.
Jackie Stewart
Jackie Stewart (UK)
3-time World Champion (1969, 1971, 1973)
Motorsport safety pioneer with multiple titles. Transformed driver safety and professionalism standards.
Jochen Rindt
Jochen Rindt (Austria)
World Champion (1970, posthumous)
First and only posthumous F1 champion after a qualifying accident. Catalyst for major motorsport safety reforms.
Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil)
2-time World Champion (1972, 1974)
First Latin American to win the F1 World Championship. Broadened F1’s appeal in South America.
Niki Lauda
Niki Lauda (Austria)
3-time World Champion (1975, 1977, 1984)
Remarkable comeback from a near-fatal crash and later McLaren success. Redefined resilience and technical excellence in racing.
Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti (USA)
World Champion (1978)
Versatile racer successful across multiple motorsport disciplines. One of the few Americans to achieve F1 World Champion status.
Alan Jones
Alan Jones (Australia)
World Champion (1980)
Known for aggressive and uncompromising racing style. Revitalized Australian presence in Formula 1.
Nelson Piquet
Nelson Piquet (Brazil)
3-time World Champion (1981, 1983, 1987)
Noted for strategic brilliance and technical talent. One of the most clever and adaptable champions.
Alain Prost
Alain Prost (France)
4-time World Champion (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993)
Nicknamed “The Professor” for his analytical driving style. Famous rivalry with Ayrton Senna shaped an era.
Ayrton Senna
Ayrton Senna (Brazil)
3-time World Champion (1988, 1990, 1991)
Extraordinary rain driver and qualifying specialist. Inspired millions and significantly influenced racing culture.
Nigel Mansell
Nigel Mansell (UK)
World Champion (1992)
Feared for his aggressive driving and overtaking skills. Became a fan favorite with his fearless style.
Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher (Germany)
7-time World Champion (1994, 1995, 2000–2004)
Set unprecedented records for wins and championships. Redefined professionalism and fitness levels in F1.
Damon Hill
Damon Hill (UK)
World Champion (1996)
Maintained the British racing legacy after Senna and Prost. Known for consistent performance and determination.
Jacques Villeneuve
Jacques Villeneuve (Canada)
World Champion (1997)
Noted for aggressive racing and outspoken personality. Raised Canadian presence in Formula 1.
Mika Häkkinen
Mika Häkkinen (Finland)
2-time World Champion (1998, 1999)
Schumacher’s fiercest rival in the late 1990s. Helped boost Formula 1’s popularity in Finland.
Kimi Räikkönen
Kimi Räikkönen (Finland)
World Champion (2007)
“The Iceman,” known for his calm and consistent racing style. Longest-serving driver and fan favorite.
Jenson Button
Jenson Button (UK)
World Champion (2009)
Master of wet conditions and technical finesse. Known for strategic and smooth driving style.
Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel (Germany)
4-time World Champion (2010–2013)
Youngest World Champion of his time; Red Bull’s dominant force. Defined the era with precision and dedication.
Gilles Villeneuve
Gilles Villeneuve (Canada)
No World Championship
Celebrated for reckless style and sheer daring. Remains a legendary fan favorite.
Jacques Laffite
Jacques Laffite (France)
No World Championship
Consistent and respected competitor through the 1970s and 1980s. Played a key role in the sport’s growth during his era.
Sir Jackie Oliver
Sir Jackie Oliver (UK)
No World Championship
Respected driver and team leader in multiple racing series. Significantly influenced motorsport beyond driving.