Red Bull Racing has become one of the most dominant forces in modern Formula 1, but that success didn’t happen overnight. Over the past two decades, the team has developed a long list of talented drivers—some homegrown, others brought in to deliver results at the highest level. From world champions to underdog stories, each driver has played a part in shaping Red Bull’s legacy on the grid.
We’ve taken a closer look at the very best to ever race under the Red Bull banner, ranking them from 14 to 1 based on their achievements, impact, and overall contribution to the team’s success.
14. Liam Lawson
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Liam Lawson entered the spotlight as Max Verstappen’s new teammate for the 2025 season, having shown promise during his substitute appearances in 2024. He scored points in six consecutive races late in the season and earned a full-time promotion. However, his Red Bull stint was short-lived. After crashing in the Australian Grand Prix and qualifying last in China, Lawson was dropped after just two races and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.
As one of Red Bull’s original Formula 1 drivers, Vitantonio Liuzzi helped lay the foundation in the mid-2000s. He raced for Red Bull in 2005 and continued with Toro Rosso through 2006 and 2007. Though he never reached the podium, his contributions during Red Bull’s formative years were part of the groundwork for future success.
Buemi spent three seasons with Toro Rosso and later became a key asset to Red Bull as a long-time test and simulator driver. Though he never stepped on a Formula 1 podium, his post-F1 success in Formula E and multiple Le Mans victories made him one of the most accomplished drivers to emerge from Red Bull’s system.
11. Jean-Éric Vergne
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Jean-Éric Vergne raced for Toro Rosso between 2012 and 2014 and was known for his solid performances and pace. Although overlooked for promotion to Red Bull, he later proved his worth by becoming a two-time Formula E world champion. Vergne remains one of the most underrated talents to come through Red Bull’s driver ranks.
10. Alexander Albon
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Albon rose quickly through the ranks, impressing with Toro Rosso before earning a midseason call-up to Red Bull in 2019. Despite never claiming a win, he secured several top-five finishes under intense pressure. In 2025, Albon is back in form, racing for Williams and showing the consistency that once made him a Red Bull hopeful.
9. Daniil Kvyat
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Kvyat’s Red Bull story is one of highs and lows. He replaced Sebastian Vettel in 2015 and scored podiums in Hungary and China, but was soon demoted to Toro Rosso to make room for Verstappen. Despite the setback, he remains one of Toro Rosso’s most experienced and highest-scoring drivers.
Gasly’s time at Red Bull was brief and turbulent, but his redemption arc at Toro Rosso and AlphaTauri was extraordinary. He claimed a sensational victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix and secured a podium in Brazil the year before. Gasly now races for Alpine, but his defining moments came in Red Bull colors.
7. Carlos Sainz Jr.
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Sainz quietly impressed during his time at Toro Rosso from 2015 to 2017, often matching or outperforming teammate Max Verstappen. Though never promoted to Red Bull, he carved out a strong career elsewhere. In 2025, Sainz drives for Williams after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.
6. Sergio Pérez
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Signed in 2021, Pérez became a vital support driver for Verstappen during Red Bull’s championship campaigns. He won five races and helped secure the Constructors’ title in 2023. However, a poor 2024 season led to his exit from both the team and Formula 1, marking a bittersweet end to an otherwise solid tenure.
5. David Coulthard
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A veteran presence during Red Bull’s earliest years, Coulthard joined in 2005 and played a crucial role in the team’s development. He scored their first podium in Monaco and helped bring professionalism and stability to the new operation. Even after retiring, Coulthard continued to contribute as an advisor and ambassador.
Webber was a pillar of Red Bull’s rise, racing from 2007 to 2013 and earning nine victories. His strong racecraft and consistency helped push the team forward, even as he sometimes clashed with teammate Vettel. With 42 career podiums, Webber remains one of Red Bull’s most respected drivers.
3. Daniel Ricciardo
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Ricciardo burst onto the Red Bull scene in 2014 and quickly proved he belonged, winning three races in his debut season with the team. He added four more victories over the following years and gained a reputation for fearless overtakes and infectious charisma. Though he left in 2018, Ricciardo’s Red Bull legacy is secure.
2. Sebastian Vettel
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Vettel was the architect of Red Bull’s golden era, winning four straight world championships from 2010 to 2013. He delivered 39 wins for the team and became the youngest-ever world champion in 2010. His record-setting 13 wins in 19 races in 2013 still stands as one of F1’s most dominant seasons.
1. Max Verstappen
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No Red Bull driver has reached the heights of Max Verstappen. Debuting at just 17 years old, he won on his Red Bull debut in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. With 63 victories and four world titles by 2025, Verstappen is the face of a new F1 era. If he stays in the sport, more records will surely fall.
