The 50 Most Beloved Formula 1 Drivers of All Time
Formula 1 has always been about more than just speed, championships, and statistics. While titles are remembered, it’s the drivers who connect with fans—through emotion, personality, and presence—who truly become immortal.
In this article, we’ve taken a closer look at the drivers who have captured the hearts of millions. From quiet underdogs to global superstars, we rank the 50 most popular Formula 1 drivers of all time—based not on wins, but on the devotion they inspire.
Jules Bianchi
Bianchi’s quiet charm, respectful nature, and promising talent made him deeply beloved by fans. His tragic story elevated him to symbolic status in the hearts of the F1 community.
Nico Hülkenberg
Fans love Hülkenberg for his dry humor, honest interviews, and perseverance. His long career without a podium turned him into a kind of folk hero among devoted F1 followers.
Olivier Panis
Panis is fondly remembered for his shocking Monaco win and underdog appeal. His quiet demeanor and surprise success gave him a cult following that endures.
Emerson Fittipaldi
Fittipaldi’s smooth style and Brazilian charisma helped bring F1 to a global audience. He’s remembered warmly as a pioneer and gentleman of the sport.
Robert Kubica
Kubica earned fan loyalty through resilience – returning to F1 after a near-fatal crash. His never-give-up story resonated far beyond racing.
Lance Stroll
Despite the criticism, Stroll has built a devoted fanbase who admire his persistence and maturity under pressure. His Canadian identity adds to his global appeal.
Mika Salo
Salo gained fans with his selfless attitude at Ferrari and his reliability under pressure. He’s remembered as the ultimate team player and emergency hero.
Mika Häkkinen
Häkkinen’s calm coolness and rivalry with Schumacher made him iconic. Fans admired his silence, class, and ability to beat one of the sport’s greatest.
Pedro de la Rosa
Known for being approachable and professional, de la Rosa developed a loyal fan following for his longevity and humble personality.
Mick Schumacher
The Schumacher name gave him a global spotlight, but Mick’s politeness and respectful attitude earned him fans on his own merit.
Ricardo Patrese
Patrese’s long career, composed presence, and loyalty to teams gave him a strong fan following, especially among older generations of F1 enthusiasts.
Jarno Trulli
Trulli’s defensive driving, low-key attitude, and likeable persona made him a staple of early-2000s fandom. The “Trulli Train” only added to his legend.
Graham Hill
The mustache, the charm, the Monaco wins—Graham Hill embodied charisma. Fans admired him for his gentlemanly flair and classic racing spirit.
Jacques Villeneuve
Outspoken, daring, and different—Jacques never tried to fit the mold. That edge made him divisive, but earned him loyal fans who appreciated his boldness.
Pastor Maldonado
A one-race winner known more for chaos than consistency, Maldonado became a meme legend. His unpredictability turned him into a cult icon.
Martin Brundle
Brundle is beloved more now than during his racing days, thanks to his gridwalks and sharp commentary. He’s the voice fans trust and enjoy.
Mark Webber
Webber’s honesty, grit, and no-nonsense persona gave him a devoted fanbase. He always came across as real—and fans respected that.
Ralf Schumacher
While overshadowed by his brother, Ralf earned fans through steady performances and a cool, calm presence in a golden era of F1.
Niki Lauda
Lauda’s story of survival and strength defined him. Fans loved his blunt personality and his transformation into a racing legend and mentor.
Jim Clark
Even decades after his death, Clark’s humble nature and natural grace behind the wheel keep him revered. He’s remembered with quiet awe by F1 purists.
Alex Albon
Albon’s mixed heritage, humility, and comeback journey after losing his seat touched fans deeply. His genuine, friendly nature makes him easy to root for.
David Coulthard
Coulthard’s longevity, media presence, and affable personality have kept him close to fans. His post-racing TV work only enhanced his popularity.
Jack Brabham
As a pioneer of the sport and the only driver to win a championship in a car bearing his own name, Brabham holds legendary status among motorsport traditionalists.
Giancarlo Fisichella
Fans loved Fisichella for his down-to-earth attitude and longevity in the sport. He always brought passion and a strong Italian following with him.
Pierre Gasly
Gasly’s Monza triumph and resilient attitude won fans over. His blend of humor, humanity, and heart make him easy to support.
Esteban Ocon
Ocon’s low-key personality and underdog victories have built him a strong fanbase in France. He represents quiet determination and local pride.
Nigel Mansell
Mansell’s mustache, grit, and theatrical style earned him immense popularity in the UK and beyond. He embodied drama—and fans loved it.
Jean Alesi
Alesi’s emotional style and fiery passion struck a chord with Ferrari fans. His raw energy and relentless drive made him one of the most beloved winless drivers.
Oscar Piastri
Still early in his career, Piastri’s calm demeanor and quiet confidence have already made him a rising favorite. Fans sense something special in him.
Felipe Massa
Massa’s near-champion story and heartfelt emotions endeared him to fans globally. His kindness and dignity in both triumph and heartbreak made him unforgettable.
Juan Pablo Montoya
Montoya’s fearless, no-filter attitude made him a fan magnet. His fiery persona and thrilling racecraft left a strong impression on fans around the world.
Damon Hill
Hill became the people’s champion in Britain. His emotional depth and connection to his father’s legacy built a strong and lasting fan following.
George Russell
Russell’s composed image and articulate media presence resonate with modern fans. He’s seen as the full package—talented, well-spoken, and relatable.
Sergio Pérez
Pérez’s humility, hard-fought victories, and status as Mexico’s racing hero have earned him a massive and loyal international fanbase.
Nico Rosberg
Rosberg’s bold decision to retire after beating Hamilton sparked fascination. His confidence and calculated personality continue to divide—but engage—fans.
Rubens Barrichello
Rubens won hearts with his emotional openness and loyal presence during Ferrari’s dominant years. Fans appreciated his sincerity and underdog spirit.
Alain Prost
Prost’s cool, methodical approach and legendary rivalries earned him long-standing fame. His French roots and iconic presence still resonate with fans worldwide.
Jenson Button
Button’s easygoing nature and sharp style made him a universally admired figure. He combined charm with class, building deep fan respect over the years.
Gilles Villeneuve
Villeneuve’s wild, fearless energy made him a cult icon. Fans continue to romanticize his commitment and charisma decades after his passing.
Lando Norris
Lando’s digital presence, Twitch streams, and lighthearted humor have made him a magnet for younger audiences. He’s one of the sport’s most naturally likable personalities.
Charles Leclerc
Leclerc’s honest personality and emotional transparency have struck a deep chord with fans. His youth, talent, and strong Ferrari identity make him a generational favorite.
James Hunt
Hunt’s wild lifestyle, rebellious spirit, and unfiltered charm turned him into an F1 legend. Fans continue to idolize him as the original rockstar of racing.
Daniel Ricciardo
Ricciardo’s infectious energy, genuine kindness, and unique podium celebrations made him a crowd favorite worldwide. He’s loved by fans of all ages for simply being himself.
Fernando Alonso
Alonso’s sharp tongue, relentless determination, and ability to reinvent himself have earned him a fiercely loyal fanbase. He’s the driver who never truly leaves the spotlight.
Max Verstappen
Verstappen’s intensity and aggressive spirit have created one of the sport’s most passionate modern fanbases. Whether loved or hated, he commands attention like few others.
Sebastian Vettel
Vettel evolved from dominant racer to thoughtful leader, gaining admiration for his wit, environmental activism, and quiet dignity. Fans value him for both who he was and who he became.
Kimi Räikkönen
Kimi’s deadpan humor, introverted style, and iconic one-liners made him a cult hero. Fans adore him for never pretending to be anything other than “The Iceman.”
Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton redefined what it means to be an F1 driver—on and off the track. His global influence, bold fashion, and social advocacy expanded the sport’s reach and inspired millions.
Michael Schumacher
Schumacher’s legendary status was built on more than winning. His quiet generosity, unmatched work ethic, and emotional resonance with fans—especially in Germany and Italy—made him iconic.
Ayrton Senna
Senna’s blend of raw emotion, spiritual depth, and fearless passion created an eternal bond with fans. To many, he is more than a driver—he is Formula 1’s soul.
