Formula 1 has seen countless teams come and go over the past 75 years, but only a select few have truly left their mark on the sport. Some rewrote the rulebook with groundbreaking innovation, while others stunned the world with unexpected success against the odds.
From historic dominance to unforgettable underdog stories, these teams helped shape the identity of Formula 1. We’ve taken a closer look at the greatest in F1 history
15. Jordan
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Though Jordan never captured a world title, they earned their place in F1 folklore with a mix of fearless racing and unforgettable moments. The team gave Michael Schumacher his F1 debut and claimed a famous win at Spa in 1998 with Damon Hill. Their underdog spirit made them a fan favorite during their 15 seasons in the sport.
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One of the most incredible stories in F1 history, Brawn GP only existed for one season – 2009 – but made it count. Rising from the ashes of the Honda team, they shocked the world by winning both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships with Jenson Button at the wheel. A true fairytale in motorsport.
Maserati was on the grid for the very first Formula 1 race in 1950 and went on to win two world titles with the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio. Despite only nine race wins, their historical importance and contributions to early F1 competition secure their spot on this list.
12. BRM
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British Racing Motors (BRM) played a key role in the 1950s and 60s, with Graham Hill winning both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships for the team in 1962. Based in a small English town, BRM punched above their weight and became a respected name in the sport’s early decades.
11. Benetton
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Initially a clothing brand-turned-race team, Benetton made a major impact in the 1990s with Michael Schumacher. They won back-to-back Drivers’ titles in 1994 and 1995, plus the Constructors’ crown in 1995, before eventually evolving into Renault. Their legacy remains strong thanks to Schumacher’s early dominance.
10. Tyrrell
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Founded by Ken Tyrrell, this team reached its peak in the early 1970s with Jackie Stewart, winning three world titles. Known for innovation and driver development, Tyrrell left a lasting mark on the sport before fading in the 1990s. Their contributions to F1 engineering and talent development were immense.
Renault competed in F1 in multiple eras, but their most successful period came in the mid-2000s with Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard secured two consecutive world titles in 2005 and 2006. Renault also pioneered turbocharged engines in the 1970s, shaping the technological future of the sport.
8. Brabham
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Founded by Jack Brabham, who remains the only driver to win a world title in a car bearing his own name, this team had a unique legacy. With four Drivers’ Championships and two Constructors’ titles, Brabham was both a competitive force and an engineering innovator in F1’s earlier decades.
7. Cooper
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Cooper changed the game by introducing rear-mounted engines – a concept now standard in all race cars. Their revolutionary design led to back-to-back world titles for Jack Brabham in 1959 and 1960. Though their F1 run was short-lived, their impact was monumental.
6. Lotus
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Colin Chapman’s Lotus team became synonymous with innovation and flair. With six Drivers’ Championships and seven Constructors’ titles, Lotus dominated the 60s and 70s with stars like Jim Clark and Graham Hill. The team’s design philosophy continues to influence car engineering today.
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After returning to F1 in 2010, Mercedes became the dominant force of the turbo-hybrid era starting in 2014. The team won eight straight Constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021 and secured six Drivers’ crowns with Lewis Hamilton. Their modern dominance reshaped the record books.
4. Red Bull
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Since entering F1 in 2005, Red Bull Racing has grown into a powerhouse. With eight Drivers’ titles between Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen and six Constructors’ crowns, they’ve become the team to beat in the 2020s. Their aggressive innovation and dynamic leadership have propelled them to elite status.
3. Williams
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One of the most storied teams in F1, Williams collected nine Constructors’ titles and seven Drivers’ Championships, mostly during the 1980s and 90s. Founded by Frank Williams, the team became a symbol of British engineering excellence, though recent years have been more challenging.
2. McLaren
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Founded by Bruce McLaren in 1963, this iconic team boasts 12 Drivers’ Championships and 8 Constructors’ titles. Legends like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Lewis Hamilton all drove for McLaren. The team’s long-standing competitiveness and innovation keep them firmly in F1’s elite.
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No team embodies the soul of Formula 1 like Ferrari. The only team to have competed in every season since 1950, Ferrari holds the most Constructors’ (16) and Drivers’ (15) Championships, along with 248 race wins. Their legacy, passion, and mystique make them the definitive F1 icon.
