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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.