Formula 1 is growing rapidly across the world. This is largely thanks to the ever-popular Netflix series Drive to Survive, contributing to the glitz and glamour that is motor racing at the highest level.

The growth of the sport has been helped by some legendary names who have got behind the wheel of famous cars over the years. The likes that F1 may never see the likes of again.

From Ferrari to McLaren and Red Bull, it makes naming the greatest F1 driver of all time incredibly difficult. What factors do we put in place to judge this? Do stats and world championships matter? What about the impact on the sport?

Rather than answer all those questions ourselves, we enlisted the help of AI to determine who the 10 greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time truly are.

Ranking factors

Before we began, we asked AI to come up with its own ranking factors when it came to putting its list together. The following factors were taken into account:

• Statistical Success: Evaluates championships, race wins, pole positions, and podiums to measure a driver’s tangible achievements.
• Era and Competition: Considers the quality of opponents and the era’s challenges, like car reliability or the number of races.
• Impact and Versatility: Assesses a driver’s influence on the sport and ability to perform across teams or conditions.

10

Fernando Alonso

A very strong start to the list compiled by AI as two-time world champion Fernando Alonso comes in at number 10.

Now 44, the Spaniard is still active in the sport, driving for Aston Martin, and although he’s currently languishing near the back of the field, during his prime, he was taking home chequered flags on a regular basis.

Winning back-to-back Drivers’ Championships in 2005 and 2006, Alonso became one of the best of all time to get inside the cockpit, and although modern day fans may not truly realise how special he was back in the day, historians and older fans will certainly acknowledge just how good he truly was.

What AI said: “Arguably the most complete driver ever—racecraft, adaptability, and longevity at the top.”

9

Jackie Stewart

Jackie Stewart not only stood out for his iconic fashion sense off-track, but was also a huge advocate on it. The Scot was one of the first drivers to push the FIA to improve driver safety, which ensured he accumulated maximum credibility in and around the paddock from drivers, teams, and fans alike.

Stewart secured 27 victories from 99 races, securing three World Championships with his iconic tartan-laced Tyrell 006 Cosworth.

What AI said: “Jackie Stewart’s speed and safety advocacy transformed F1. His consistency in the late 1960s and early 1970s was exceptional.”

8

Sebastian Vettel

Similar to the man next on our list, Sebastian Vettel was only interested in winning during the early stages of his career. His impressive win at Monza in 2008 led to him getting the call from Red Bull in 2009 to join the team. In the 2010s, he became the face of Formula 1, winning four world titles in a row from 2010 to 2013.

His first saw him become the youngest world champion ever at the time, taking the crown from Lewis Hamilton two years prior. While Vettel’s career tailed off towards the end, he’ll always be remembered as the kid from Germany who emphatically burst onto the scene.

What AI said: “Vettel’s dominance from 2010-2013 with Red Bull was remarkable, though, his later Ferrari years were less consistent. His speed and adaptability in championship fights earn him a spot.”

7

Niki Lauda

Lauda was a superstar in Formula 1 for many reasons. Not many would bounce back from a nearly fatal crash to go on and win three Drivers’ Championships, but the Austrian did exactly that.

He was involved in an exciting rivalry with British driver James Hunt in 1976, whom he lost out to by a single point at the Nurburgring. Despite this, Lauda finished his career with three titles, two with Ferrari in 1975 and 1976, and one with McLaren in 1982. A true example of grit, determination, and passion for the sport he loved.

What AI said: “Niki Lauda’s comeback after his 1976 crash, analytical approach, and role in McLaren’s success, highlight his resilience and intelligence.”

6

Max Verstappen

It’s hard to dispute Verstappen‘s influence on the sport. While he might not be everyone’s cup of tea, he truly owned the sport during the early 2020s, winning four World Championships in a row from 2021 to 2024.

At just 28 years old, he’s secured 48 pole positions, 127 podiums, and 71 victories from 236 starts. A phenomenal achievement in what some would consider to be the early part of his Formula 1 career.

What AI said: “Max Verstappen’s aggressive style and dominance since 2021, especially in 2023 (19 wins), mark him as a modern great. His ranking is slightly lower due to a shorter career span compared to others.”

5

Alain Prost

One half of one of the most famous rivalries in Formula 1 history, Prost will go down as one of the sport’s more intelligent drivers. Someone who could foresee things that others perhaps couldn’t, which meant it was not a case if he was going to win a World Championship, but when.

After beating Jackie Stewart’s record of 27 race wins, he went on to win 15 out of 16 races for McLaren and secured four World Championships across his career. Undoubtedly an all-time great.

What AI said: “Known as ‘The Professor,’ Alain Prost’s tactical brilliance and consistency shone in battles with Ayrton Senna. His efficiency in scoring points was ahead of his time.”

4

Juan Manuel Fangio

Coming from an era where the idea of driver safety was classed as an inconvenience, some consider Fangio to be the greatest of all time to ever step foot in a Formula One car.

Fango was a five-time world champion and only missed one race in two full seasons due to an almost fatal accident. He started on pole 29 times, winning 24 from 51 races, which works out as winning 46% of the races he participated in.

What AI said: “Juan Manuel Fangio’s win rate (46% of races entered) is astonishing, achieved in an era of dangerous cars and tracks. His ability to switch teams (Maserati, Mercedes, Ferrari) and still dominate showcases versatility.”

3

Ayrton Senna

Senna is the all-time great in the eyes of many, including Lewis Hamilton, and one of Formula 1’s most iconic and legendary figures. He took the concept of ‘pushing the boundaries’ to the next level. The Brazilian icon inspired many to go further to find the limits of the car.

His three World Championships gave a sense of what was to come, but sadly he died in an accident at Imola in 1994, which moved the world of Formula 1 to its core.

What AI said: “Ayrton Senna’s raw speed, especially in qualifying, and his fearless driving style (e.g., 1988 Monaco) are legendary. His limited championships reflect a shorter career due to his tragic death in 1994.”

2

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton was picked as the second-best F1 driver of all time by AI – and it’s easy to see why.

Having lost out on becoming champion by a single point in his debut season to Kimi Raikkonen, he went on to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles. A feat that no one thought could ever be achieved.

Hamilton holds many current F1 records, such as most wins, most pole positions, and most career points, to name a few. While most of his success was with the Mercedes team, he now drives for Ferrari in the hope of clinching number eight.

What AI said: “Lewis Hamilton’s statistical dominance, consistency across different eras, and ability to perform in varied machinery make him a standout. His adaptability and mental fortitude in high-pressure seasons (e.g., 2008, 2021) are unmatched.”

1

Michael Schumacher

With 91 race wins and seven World Championships from 308 starts, Michael Schumacher was easily going to be at least in the top two of the all-time best drivers to ever grace the sport, but AI has put him on top spot.

With two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and five Championships with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004, the German superstar truly dominated his era in Formula 1.

Using raw talent, dedication, and persistence to improve, Schumacher was a one-off. While his stint at Mercedes wasn’t as successful, his appearance on the podium at Valencia in 2012 made the world smile.

What AI said: “Schumacher redefined F1 with his work ethic, precision, and dominance at Ferrari. His 2000–2004 titles transformed the team.”