The 40 Greatest Formula 1 Races – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Ranking the greatest Formula 1 races of the modern era is no easy feat. Since 2008, the sport has delivered countless unforgettable moments – dramatic title deciders, surprise victories, and chaotic battles that have captivated fans around the world. Some races changed the course of a championship, while others stood out for their sheer unpredictability and excitement.
This list highlights the 40 most highly rated Grands Prix since 2008, showcasing the races that left a lasting impression on the F1 community. The rankings are based on over 200,000 votes cast by RaceFans readers after each Grand Prix, offering a unique, fan-driven perspective on which races truly deserve a place in modern F1 history.
40. 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel claimed his first win for Ferrari in only his second race with the team, ending Mercedes’ dominance early in the season. The strategic masterclass and emotional victory made this race an instant fan favorite.
39. 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
The Baku street circuit once again delivered chaos and drama, with safety cars, bold overtakes, and a surprise podium finish. It reminded fans why Azerbaijan is one of the most unpredictable venues on the calendar.
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38. 2024 Canadian Grand Prix
In mixed conditions, strategy and tire management became crucial in Montreal. The race had multiple lead changes, a tight fight at the front, and a classic atmosphere that made it a standout in the modern era.
37. 2020 Italian Grand Prix
Pierre Gasly stunned the world with his maiden Formula 1 victory for AlphaTauri, becoming the first French winner in over two decades. A red flag, penalties for leaders, and an underdog story captivated fans everywhere.
36. 2021 Italian Grand Prix
The title rivals collided in dramatic fashion at Monza, taking each other out and opening the door for McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo to win. It was McLaren’s first win in nine years – and a thrilling, unpredictable race.
35. 2011 German Grand Prix
Three world champions – Hamilton, Alonso, and Webber – traded blows in a fierce battle throughout the race. Hamilton ultimately took the win in one of his most underrated performances.
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34. 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix
A rain-hit race brought drama from start to finish, with Fernando Alonso winning in a Ferrari that had no business being on the podium. Sergio Pérez nearly snatched victory for Sauber in one of his finest drives.
33. 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc’s brilliant drive to a near-certain maiden victory was undone by late mechanical issues. Still, the intense midfield battles and heartbreak at the front made this a memorable race.
32. 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Baku once again proved it’s a place where anything can happen. Red Bull teammates crashed out, Bottas suffered a puncture while leading, and Hamilton snatched a surprise win in a wild finish.
31. 2019 British Grand Prix
Silverstone produced a festival of wheel-to-wheel action, with Verstappen and Leclerc dueling fiercely. Hamilton’s home victory, complete with fastest lap on the final tour, brought the crowd to its feet.
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30. 2018 Chinese Grand Prix
Daniel Ricciardo’s fearless overtakes after a well-timed safety car led to a remarkable win for Red Bull. His charge through the field was one of the best displays of racecraft in recent years.
29. 2010 Australian Grand Prix
A chaotic, rain-affected race in Melbourne saw Jenson Button take an early gamble on dry tires that paid off. The ever-changing conditions created a spectacle from start to finish.
28. 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix
The season opener brought an intense duel between Hamilton and Verstappen, setting the tone for their epic rivalry. Hamilton held on in a nail-biting finish that left fans breathless.
27. 2012 Chinese Grand Prix
Rosberg claimed his first-ever F1 victory in dominant style, giving Mercedes its first win since 1955 as a works team. The race featured strong strategy battles and a refreshing change at the top.
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26. 2018 British Grand Prix
An action-packed race with multiple incidents, including a first-lap collision involving Hamilton. He fought back brilliantly through the field as Ferrari claimed a dramatic victory on rival territory.
25. 2010 Canadian Grand Prix
High tire degradation led to unpredictability and overtaking throughout the field. McLaren’s 1-2 finish came after a strategic chess match that kept fans glued to the screen.
24. 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix
Chaos on the opening lap led to multiple retirements and a standing restart with only one car on the grid. Esteban Ocon claimed his maiden victory as Alonso defended heroically against Hamilton late in the race.
23. 2016 Spanish Grand Prix
Mercedes teammates Hamilton and Rosberg collided on the first lap, paving the way for Max Verstappen to win on his Red Bull debut – becoming the youngest F1 winner in history.
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22. 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix
One of the most iconic championship deciders in F1 history, with Lewis Hamilton taking the title on the final corner of the final lap. Felipe Massa won the race but lost the championship in heartbreaking fashion.
21. 2018 United States Grand Prix
Kimi Räikkönen took an emotional win – his first since 2013 – holding off Verstappen and Hamilton in a tight, strategic race. It was a vintage drive from the Iceman that thrilled fans around the world.
20. 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix
Interlagos delivered absolute mayhem with crashes, penalties, and a surprise podium featuring both Toro Rosso and McLaren. Verstappen won after intense duels, while Gasly secured a stunning second place for Toro Rosso.
19. 2012 United States Grand Prix
Formula 1’s return to America at the brand-new Circuit of the Americas saw a thrilling battle between Hamilton and Vettel. Hamilton emerged victorious in a race that re-established the US as a key part of the calendar.
18. 2012 European Grand Prix
Valencia, often criticized for dull races, surprised everyone with an action-packed contest. Alonso stormed from 11th on the grid to take an emotional home win, while Vettel and Grosjean both retired from the lead.
17. 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
One of the wildest races of the hybrid era – safety cars, collisions, red flags, and a fiery clash between Vettel and Hamilton under the safety car. Ricciardo won in a comeback for the ages.
16. 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix
With Hamilton sidelined, George Russell stepped in and looked set to win before a pit stop blunder and a late puncture ruined his dream. The race was filled with heartbreak and hope, and Pérez claimed a long-awaited first victory.
15. 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Kimi Räikkönen famously told his team to “leave me alone” on his way to a vintage win. Meanwhile, Vettel charged from the back of the grid to the podium in one of his greatest drives.
14. 2019 Austrian Grand Prix
Verstappen and Leclerc fought fiercely for the win in a dramatic late-race battle. It marked the beginning of a new rivalry and the first victory for a non-Mercedes car that season.
13. 2022 British Grand Prix
Zhou’s terrifying opening-lap crash shocked fans, but the race recovered with thrilling wheel-to-wheel action and Carlos Sainz taking his maiden victory. It was a blend of drama, danger, and redemption.
12. 2020 Turkish Grand Prix
Slippery conditions turned qualifying and the race into a challenge of pure skill. Hamilton rose above the chaos to seal his seventh world title with one of the most masterful wet-weather drives of his career.
11. 2021 Russian Grand Prix
In a dramatic rain-hit finish, Lando Norris lost his maiden win after gambling on slicks. Hamilton capitalized and took his 100th career victory – a historic moment at the end of a chaotic race.
10. 2024 British Grand Prix
The latest classic at Silverstone featured multiple lead changes, a home win for Norris, and intense strategic battles throughout the field. The crowd erupted as a British driver stood atop the podium once more.
9. 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix
Dubbed the “Duel in the Desert,” Hamilton and Rosberg went wheel-to-wheel for the win in a race that defined their rivalry. Clean, hard racing and nonstop action made it an instant modern classic.
8. 2011 Canadian Grand Prix
A four-hour rain-delayed epic that saw Jenson Button go from last to first, passing Vettel on the final lap. It remains one of the longest and most dramatic races in Formula 1 history.
7. 2015 United States Grand Prix
Heavy rain delayed the weekend, but the race made up for it with unpredictable weather, lead changes, and Hamilton clinching his third world title in style. The atmosphere was electric in Austin.
6. 2015 Hungarian Grand Prix
In a year dominated by Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull stole the show in Budapest. Drama unfolded at every turn, and Vettel delivered a commanding victory as chaos reigned behind him.
5. 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix
Rain early in the race created a mixed-up field and allowed for one of the most entertaining races of the year. Daniel Ricciardo surged to victory with a late pass on Hamilton and Alonso.
4. 2014 Canadian Grand Prix
Mercedes suffered rare reliability issues, and Ricciardo capitalized to take his first-ever F1 win. The race saw intense battling, retirements, and a nail-biting finish with multiple contenders.
3. 2011 Chinese Grand Prix
Strategy took center stage as drivers opted for multiple pit stops in a flat-out sprint to the flag. Hamilton passed Vettel late in the race to secure a thrilling and unexpected win.
2. 2019 German Grand Prix
A rain-soaked Hockenheim brought chaos, crashes, and a podium for Daniil Kvyat and Toro Rosso. Verstappen mastered the conditions, and even Nico Hülkenberg’s heartbreak added to the drama of this unforgettable race.
1. 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix
Arguably the greatest race of the modern era – a title decider in changing conditions, packed with overtakes, drama, and emotion. Vettel survived early damage to secure the championship, while Button won in front of a roaring Interlagos crowd.
