Top 9 F1 drivers of all time ranked as Verstappen, Hamilton and Schumacher go head-to-head | F1 | Sport
Published: 2025-08-10 13:51:56 | Views: 18
Since the inception of the Formula One World Championship in 1950, 781 drivers have taken to the start line for a Grand Prix. Of this exclusive cohort, 355 have scored points, over 200 have stood on the podium, and 115 have tasted the glory of the top step.
With the summer break now in full swing, Express Sport ranks the nine greatest F1 stars. Gentlemen, a short view back to the past…
9. Graham Hill
While drivers omitted from this list have more F1 wins and World Championships, Hill achieved something that no other driver in history has done - win the Triple Crown of Motorsport. Of his 14 Grand Prix victories, five came around the fabled streets of Monaco, and he won the Indianapolis 500 on debut in 1966. Add to that a class win at the 1972 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it is easy to see why the Brit is regarded as one of racing’s greatest-ever talents.
Hill, whose son Graham went on to win the 1996 F1 title, won World Championships in 1962 and 1968, and finished runner-up three years in a row between 1963 and 1965, cementing his place in the history books as an all-time great.
(Image: Getty)
8. Sebastian Vettel
At times during his remarkable run in the early 2010s, it felt as though Vettel couldn’t be beaten. He won nine races in succession to end the 2013 campaign, wrapping up his fourth and final F1 Drivers’ Championship title, and had the sport in a chokehold throughout that run.
While Vettel’s move to Ferrari failed to end the Scuderia’s wait for a first F1 crown since 2007, the German managed to push Lewis Hamilton to the limit in 2017 and 2018, finishing second in the standings both years. Across 299 starts, he scored 53 wins, 122 podiums and 57 pole positions, cementing his legacy.
(Image: Getty)
7. Jim Clark
When Jim Clark was killed in a Formula Two race in 1968, he was still at the height of his powers, having kicked off his campaign with a win at the South African Grand Prix. The Scot was nigh-on untouchable during his peak, winning all but three races in each of his two title-winning seasons. Over an eight-year career, he won 32 of the 72 races he started, with 33 pole positions. During this spell, he also won the Indy 500 twice.
Expressing his admiration for Clark, Sir Jackie Stewart - who himself is unfortunate not to make this list - said: “No question, Jim Clark was the best driver I ever raced against. He was smooth, he was clean, he drove in a manner that didn't have Lotuses break down or have mechanical failures. Clark was so gentle with the car. He was my idol with regards to being.”
(Image: Getty)
6. Alain Prost
Prost bowed out of F1 in 1993 in style, winning his fourth Drivers’ Championship title that year. Remarkably, the classy Frenchman made the podium in over half of his Grand Prix starts, delivering 106 top-three finishes to complement his 51 race wins.
One-half of F1’s greatest rivalry, the McLaren icon was not just rapid behind the wheel, but also boasted an impressive understanding of his machinery. Making his achievements more impressive was the fact that he faced five current or future world champion team-mates during his career, including Niki Lauda, Keke Rosberg and Nigel Mansell.
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