The beginning of modern Formula 1 dates back to 1950, with teams such as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati participating. Throughout history, the single-seaters have incorporated improvements, creating a truly competitive and spectacular sport. Traditional teams were joined by McLaren, Williams, Aston Martin, Red Bull, and Mercedes, among others.
Each year, the World Championship is held where drivers compete in each Grand Prix around the globe. Over the years, several names have stood out and secured their place in the golden pages of Formula 1 history, but these are the 10 most successful World Champions in Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton, born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, England, is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. He began his F1 career with McLaren in 2007 and won his first World Championship in 2008. In 2013, Hamilton moved to Mercedes, where he achieved unprecedented success, securing six more World Championships and breaking numerous records, including the most wins and pole positions in F1 history.
At 39 years old, Hamilton is joining Ferrari in 2025 after 12 years with Mercedes. The English driver will aim to move closer to retirement and pursue his eighth World Championship to hold the record alone as the driver with the most titles in history.
World Championships: 7 (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Wins: 103
Podiums: 196
Pole positions: 104
Fastest Laps: 63
Michael Schumacher is one of the most legendary figures in Formula 1 history. Born on January 3, 1969, in Hürth, Germany, Schumacher began his F1 career with Jordan in 1991 before moving to Benetton, where he won his first two World Championships in 1994 and 1995.
His most successful period came with Ferrari, where he won five consecutive World Championships from 2000 to 2004, cementing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. Schumacher retired from F1 in 2012 after a brief comeback with Mercedes.
World Championships: 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Wins: 91
Podiums: 155
Pole positions: 68
Fastest Laps: 77
Juan Manuel Fangio, born on June 24, 1911, in Balcarce, Argentina, is considered one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. Known for his technical skill and elegant driving style, Fangio won five World Championships in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957. The Argentine driver was the most successful World Champion until 2003, when Michael Schumacher surpassed him with six titles.
World Championships: 5 (1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957)
Wins: 24
Podiums: 35
Pole positions: 29
Fastest Laps: 23
Alain Prost, born on February 24, 1955, in Lorette, France, is one of the most successful and respected drivers in Formula 1 history. Known as 'The Professor' for his tactical and strategic approach to racing, Prost won four World Championships in 1985, 1986, 1989, and 1993.
His rivalry with Ayrton Senna, especially during the 1988 and 1989 seasons, is one of the most iconic in the sport's history. Prost retired in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of strategic intelligence and consistency on the track.
World Championships: 4 (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993)
Wins: 51
Podiums: 106
Pole positions: 33
Fastest Laps: 41
Sebastian Vettel, born on July 3, 1987, in Heppenheim, Germany, began his F1 career with BMW Sauber in 2006 and quickly demonstrated his talent. The German driver won four consecutive World Championships with Red Bull Racing from 2010 to 2013.
After his time with Red Bull, Vettel joined Ferrari and later Aston Martin, before retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season. His career has left a significant mark on the history of the sport.
World Championships: 4 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Wins: 53
Podiums: 122
Pole positions: 57
Fastest Laps: 38
Ayrton Senna, born on March 21, 1960, in São Paulo, Brazil, is widely regarded as one of the most talented and charismatic drivers in Formula 1 history. Known for his exceptional skill in wet conditions and his aggressive approach on the track, Senna won three World Championships in 1988, 1990, and 1991, all with McLaren.
His rivalry with Alain Prost and his passionate driving style made him an iconic figure in the sport, to the point of being considered one of the greatest of all time. On May 1, 1994, during the third race of the season at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Senna suffered a fatal accident when his car crashed into a wall at high speed. Senna's death shocked the sporting world and led to a thorough review of safety in Formula 1.
World Championships: 3 (1988, 1990, 1991)
Wins: 41
Podiums: 80
Pole positions: 65
Fastest Laps: 19
Nelson Piquet, born on August 17, 1952, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a driver who won three World Championships in 1981, 1983, and 1987, noted for his technical skill and calculated driving style.
World Championships: 3 (1981, 1983, 1987)
Wins: 23
Podiums: 60
Pole positions: 24
Fastest Laps: 23
Niki Lauda, born on February 22, 1949, in Vienna, Austria, is a legendary figure in Formula 1 known for his skill and determination. He won three World Championships in 1975, 1977, and 1984. Lauda is especially remembered for his incredible return to the sport after a serious accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix at Nürburgring.
In that accident, his car caught fire after crashing into a protective barrier, causing severe burns to his body. Just six weeks later, Lauda returned to racing, demonstrating outstanding courage and tenacity.
World Championships: 3 (1975, 1977, 1984)
Wins: 25
Podiums: 54
Pole positions: 24
Fastest Laps: 24
Jackie Stewart, born on June 11, 1939, in Milton, Scotland, is an iconic figure in Formula 1. Known as "The Flying Scot," Stewart won three World Championships in 1969, 1971, and 1973, the year he retired. His skill in handling adverse conditions and his meticulous approach allowed him to stand out in a highly competitive era.
World Championships: 3 (1969, 1971, 1973)
Wins: 27
Podiums: 43
Pole positions: 17
Fastest Laps: 15
Jack Brabham, born on April 2, 1926, in Hurstville, Australia, is a Formula 1 figure who won three World Championships in 1959, 1960, and 1966, becoming the first driver to win a title with a car built by his own team, Brabham.
World Championships: 3 (1959, 1960, 1966)
Wins: 14
Podiums: 31
Pole positions: 13
Fastest Laps: 12
The Formula 1 Grand Prix that has been held the most times is the Italian Grand Prix. This event has been held annually since the beginning of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950, without interruptions. Most editions of the Italian Grand Prix have been held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, which is known as the "Temple of Speed."
Max Verstappen became the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 race when he did so at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, at the age of 18 years and 227 days.
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