Formula 1 is the most prestigious racing series, with the most advanced cars speeding over 100 miles an hour, Formula 1 undoubtedly the best race in the galaxy. A perfect amalgamation of the infield and windy circuits, fast and advanced machines, and the most skilled drivers, Formula 1 has never been disappointed to raise the bar and excitement.
Let us look at some of the greatest ever of the racing world.
Flash of the ’90s, Ayrton Senna was the fastest driver at the time. After winning his second race, The Portuguese Grand Prix in 1985, there was no looking back for the speedster. Master of his craft, Ayrton Senna went on to win three World Championships, 80 Podium finishes, and a total of 41 Grand Prix. Unfortunately, his death wasn’t glorious as his career, as he lost his life during the San Marino Grand Prix after a tragic accident.
With a world record of 91 wins in his career of more than 20 years, the German has been an icon for the next generation Formula 1 driver. Michael Schumacher started his debut race at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1991 and finished 7th. In the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix, he bagged his first Championship title. The record of finishing 1st in 5 consecutive seasons from 2000 to 2004 Grand Prix is still unbeatable. Schumacher had a contract with Ferrari from 1996 to 2006 after driving Benetton-Ford for five years. First retiring in 2006, Michael Schumacher again made a comeback in the 2010 season and won his fans’ hearts for the next two years. After retiring, he met with an unfortunate accident in 2013 while skiing with his 14 yrs old son and had a severe head injury. Since then, he is in a coma, and his health conditions are stable.
Winner of six-time Formula One World Championship, undoubtedly, he is one of the best F1 drivers of all time. Born in Britain, Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton holds the record for 89 grand Prix wins, which is the second-highest of all time, behind only Michael Schumacher (91 wins). “He’s (Lewis) a quality driver, very strong and only 16. If he keeps this up I’m sure he will reach F1. It’s something special to see a kid of his age out on the circuit. He’s clearly got the right racing mentality,” predicted Schumacher in 2001. Currently driving the Mercedes- AMG Petronas Motorsport, with 3588 career points in his tally, Lewis started his Formula 1 career with the 2007 Australian Grand Prix. He first tasted the success in the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix with the McLaren before moving to Mercedes in 2013. With this pace, Lewis may end up being the greatest in no time soon.
Currently driving for the Red Bull Racing team, Sebastian Vettel won his first Grand Prix title in 2009. Debuted in 2007 United States Grand Prix, Sebastian was also voted as the Rookie of the year in 2008. With 4 Championship wins and 53 Career wins, he holds his place among the world’s best racers right now.
Safety wasn’t something to be considered in the era of 1950s. Juan Manuel Fangio, famously known as El Chueco, managed to dominate that era by winning five world championships. Not only that, but he also did this for four different teams (Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati), which were the most iconic racing cars of Formula 1 history. With 24 wins, 28 pole positions, and 48 front row starts from 51 Grand Prix starts, Juan was a true gentleman. He always struck the right chord at the right time with the choices of his mechanical beauties.
Holding the record for the most Grand Prix victories between 1987 until 2001, the Frenchman teamed up with Ferrari, McLaren, and Renault, participating in 202 career races. Alain Prost started his legacy in 1980. With four Championship wins and fifty-one career wins, he was simply the best during his reign.
Driving for McLaren and Lotus in 165 races, Finnish racer Mika Hakkinen is an example of one of the greatest comebacks. Starting his racing career with United States Grand Prix and securing 13th place, he met with a horrible accident in 1995. With 2 Championship Wins and 20 Career wins, he is still one of the most significant drivers ever.
After the most infamous car crash in the sport’s history, Niki Lauda returned to the racing track after being on the death bed. During the 1976 German Grand Prix, Lauda crashed his car, which caused him to burn his head, face, and severely damaged his lungs. When everyone thought it was all over, this guy defies all the odds were on the racing track in the next six weeks. Inspiring many people in the sporting world, he won three world titles, with Ferrari and McLaren and 25 Grand Prix.
With 27 career wins, 3 World Championships, and the total career points of 35, Jackie Stewart held the record for most wins by a British for 19 years. Nicknamed the “Flying Scot,” he started his career with the South African Grand Prix, achieving the 6th position.
Spaniard Fernando Alonso is the third-youngest driver ever to debut internationally in Formula 1 history. Started in 2001 with the Australian Grand Prix, he went on to win two world championships with a total of 32 career wins. His last race was the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix, where he secured the 4th place.
Written By
Yash Srivastava
Leave a Reply