Formula 1 is becoming increasingly popular around the world. With the 2025 season underway, there is no better time to look at the greatest drivers the sport has ever seen. 

There have been 34 different Formula 1 world champions, with half of them winning more than one title. Numerous drivers have left their impact on motorsports in its 75 year history, but only five have solidified themselves as all-time greats.

5. Max Verstappen

The Dutch driver has won the previous four world championships and done so in dominant fashion. Verstappen is the second Red Bull driver to secure four titles in a row, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Sebastian Vettel — who was hard to leave off this list. Verstappen is the youngest race winner in the history of the sport, winning his first grand prix at just 18 years old. In 2023, he shattered the record books and had the most dominant season in history. He won 19 out of 22 races that season, breaking the record for most points scored in a season and setting a record for most consecutive wins with 15. Verstappen is one of the most talented and greatest drivers the sport has ever seen, but he still has a ways to go to become the greatest of all-time. 

4. Juan Manuel Fangio

The Argentine driver is one of the greats of motorsport and one of the pioneers of Formula 1. He won his first title at a staggering 40 years old after dominating in other racing categories around the world. He went on to win another four titles before he retired at age 47, setting records previously thought to be unbreakable and leaving a lasting legacy in the short amount of time. His ability to not only dominate a sport that was foreign to him, but also manage to stay alive in a time where death was common in the sport is what makes him so incredible. There is no doubt that Formula 1 would not be the same without Fangio. 

3. Ayrton Senna

The Brazilian driver is the only one in my top five to have less than four titles to his name, but it’s for a good reason. Senna’s impact in Formula 1 transcends statistical success; he gave hope to a nation and inspired generations. Though he only has three titles, his mastery of the craft and clear talent showed he was well on his way to becoming the greatest of all-time before his fatal accident in 1994. His passion for the sport and life inspired me, and is a big reason he is one of my idols. There is no doubt in my mind that if Senna were to have raced for a few more years, he would have cemented himself as the greatest of all-time. Yet, we are left with an icon that was lost too soon as opposed to a living legend. 

2. Michael Schumacher

The German driver is without a doubt one of the greatest drivers to ever grace the sport. He won an astonishing seven world titles over the course of his career and set records many thought to be unbreakable. Schumacher won his first title in 1994, going back-to-back in ‘95 before winning five in a row from 2000-04. Winning a mind-boggling 91 races before retiring after the 2012 season solidified him as an undisputed legend. His unrelenting and unforgiving mentality, coupled with his insane work ethic, made him a formidable force on the track. He had immense natural talent, but his ability to hone his skills and couple it with strategyallowed him to do things other drivers thought impossible. 

1. Lewis Hamilton

The British driver is the only other driver in history to achieve the milestone of seven world titles. Hamilton broke barriers and records before he even set foot in a car, becoming the first and only Black Formula 1 driver to this day. Persevering through discrimination, he rose through the racing world, defied odds and earned himself a seat at McLaren in 2007. Hamilton proved himself, winning four races in his debut season and missing out on a title by only one point. He then redeemed himself the following season, winning his first championship in just his second season in the sport. Over the course of his career, Hamilton has won an unreal 105 races and also holds the record for most podium finishes — 202 — to go along with another record-shattering 104 pole positions. He is statistically the greatest of all-time and is another one of my idols. Hamilton’s work ethic and ability to persevere through challenges is what makes him a champion and the greatest driver of all-time.