The 11 Greatest Formula 1 Cars of All Time – Ranked

July 3, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Formula 1 has long been the pinnacle of automotive engineering and human skill, producing some truly remarkable machines. From ground-breaking designs that changed the sport forever to outright dominant cars that crushed their competition, these are the 11 best F1 cars in history. Ranked by their innovation, dominance, success, and lasting legacy, here’s a look at these legendary machines.

11. Lotus 72 (1970–1975)

The Lotus 72, designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, revolutionized F1 with its wedge shape and side-mounted radiators, which soon became the standard across the grid. It combined cutting-edge aerodynamics with anti-dive suspension, offering both speed and stability. Over five seasons, it won 20 races and secured three Constructors’ Championships, driven by stars like Jochen Rindt and Emerson Fittipaldi. Its longevity and forward-thinking design cement it as one of the most influential F1 cars ever built.

10. McLaren MP4-20 (2005)

The McLaren MP4-20 is the only car on this list that didn’t win a Drivers’ or Constructors’ title, but it still earns its place for sheer speed. Designed by Adrian Newey, it was blisteringly fast and nearly unbeatable on its day, winning 10 races in 2005. Reliability issues ultimately cost McLaren both championships, most heartbreakingly when Kimi Räikkönen retired from the lead on the final lap at the Nürburgring. Despite its flaws, it remains a vivid example of raw performance overshadowed by fragile mechanics.

9. Red Bull RB18 (2022)

The RB18 marked the start of a new era under ground-effect regulations and instantly set the benchmark. Max Verstappen dominated the season, winning 15 races himself, while teammate Sergio Pérez added two more victories, helping Red Bull clinch both titles. The car’s aerodynamic efficiency and top-speed advantage were masterfully crafted by Adrian Newey. After a shaky start to the season, the RB18 became nearly untouchable, laying the groundwork for Red Bull’s continued supremacy.

8. Ferrari Tipo 500 (1952–1953)

The Ferrari Tipo 500 dominated an era when Formula 2 regulations briefly governed Formula 1. Driven by Giuseppe Farina and Alberto Ascari, it claimed 14 wins and 31 podiums across two seasons. Ascari secured back-to-back Drivers’ Championships, establishing Ferrari as a powerhouse in international motorsport. Its success helped solidify Ferrari’s reputation and sparked the team’s enduring legacy in the sport.

7. Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid (2014)

When Formula 1 introduced the hybrid power unit era in 2014, Mercedes’ F1 W05 Hybrid set the stage for an unprecedented run of dominance. With Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, the team won 16 out of 19 races, taking 31 podiums in total. Mercedes’ turbo hybrid engine was a game changer, unmatched in power and efficiency. This car laid the foundation for Mercedes’ seven straight Drivers’ and eight Constructors’ titles.

6. Ferrari F2004 (2004)

The Ferrari F2004 is widely regarded as one of the most beautifully balanced and powerful F1 cars ever, complete with a screaming V10 engine. Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello won 15 races, with Schumacher taking 13 victories alone en route to his seventh world title. Its dominance was so complete that only two drivers crossed the 100-point mark that season—both Ferrari drivers. The F2004 represents the peak of Ferrari’s early 2000s golden age.

5. Williams FW14B (1992)

The Williams FW14B, designed by Adrian Newey, introduced active suspension, traction control, and a semi-automatic gearbox—technologies that were ahead of their time. Driven by Nigel Mansell, it won 10 races and achieved 23 podiums, securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Its blend of mechanical grip and electronic wizardry made it nearly unbeatable. The blue and yellow livery remains iconic, symbolizing one of Williams’ finest engineering achievements.

4. Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid (2016)

Arguably Mercedes’ most refined creation, the F1 W07 Hybrid won 19 of 21 races, setting a record for most podiums and pole positions in a single season. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg pushed each other to new heights, with Rosberg ultimately claiming his only world title before retiring. Its only technical DNF came in Malaysia for Hamilton, underlining the car’s incredible reliability. The W07 epitomized Mercedes’ relentless perfection in the hybrid era.

3. Ferrari F2002 (2002)

The Ferrari F2002 delivered one of the most dominant campaigns ever seen, with Michael Schumacher finishing every race on the podium—a feat still unmatched. Alongside Rubens Barrichello, they won 15 races and delivered nine 1–2 finishes. It was a masterclass in design evolution, blending aerodynamics, mechanical grip, and bulletproof reliability. The F2002 solidified Schumacher’s legacy and Ferrari’s early 2000s dynasty.

2. McLaren-Honda MP4/4 (1988)

Designed by Steve Nichols and Gordon Murray, the McLaren-Honda MP4/4 is the standard by which all dominant F1 cars are measured. With Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, it won 15 of 16 races and led 97.3% of all laps that season—still a record. Its low-slung, efficient design was perfectly paired with Honda’s turbo engine, making it nearly untouchable. Even decades later, it stands as perhaps the most iconic car in F1 history.

1. Red Bull RB19 (2023)

The Red Bull RB19 took performance to unprecedented heights, winning 21 out of 22 races, with Max Verstappen claiming 19 victories himself. Its combination of speed, adaptability, and flawless reliability made it the ultimate F1 machine. Designed by Adrian Newey, the RB19 shattered records and pushed the limits of modern engineering. Many regard it as the most dominant Formula 1 car ever built, rewriting the history books in stunning fashion.