The greatest British Formula 1 drivers of all time

November 3, 2025 Kris Isaksen

From Silverstone’s inaugural Grand Prix in 1950 to the modern-day dominance of British stars, the UK has produced some of Formula 1’s most legendary drivers. These racers didn’t just win—they transformed the sport through their success, charisma, and legacy. Here’s a countdown of the ten greatest British F1 drivers of all time, ranked by success, longevity, and impact.

10. John Surtees – a two- and four-wheel champion

John Surtees remains the only person in history to win world championships on both motorcycles and in Formula 1. After dominating MotoGP, he made a remarkable switch to F1, claiming the 1964 title with Ferrari and proving himself a rare motorsport icon.

9. Jenson Button – the late bloomer who never gave up

Jenson Button's rise to the top was a slow burn—he claimed his one and only world championship in 2009 after nearly a decade in the sport. His Brawn GP title win was a fairytale moment, and although he couldn’t replicate the feat with McLaren, Button's endurance and style earned him a firm place in British F1 history.

8. James Hunt – the rebel who became a champion

James Hunt brought flair, drama, and intensity to Formula 1. After a rocky start with the underfunded Hesketh team, he joined McLaren and captured the 1976 world title in a fierce battle with Niki Lauda, becoming one of the sport’s most iconic figures despite a brief career.

7. Damon Hill – a champion shaped by legacy and grit

Son of F1 legend Graham Hill, Damon Hill carved out his own place in the sport. Debuting in his 30s, he narrowly lost the 1994 title to Schumacher but came back stronger to win the 1996 championship. His controversial exit in 1997 left fans wondering what more he could’ve achieved.

6. Graham Hill – Mr Monaco and motorsport’s triple-crown hero

Graham Hill earned the nickname "Mr Monaco" with five wins at the prestigious street circuit. A two-time F1 world champion, he also won the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans—making him the only driver to claim the unofficial Triple Crown of Motorsport.

5. Stirling Moss – the best never to win a title

Stirling Moss is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers to never win a world championship. Between 1955 and 1961, he was consistently among the top three in the standings, and his 16 Grand Prix wins without a title remains an unmatched record.

4. Nigel Mansell – power, passion, and persistence

Nigel Mansell's relentless pursuit of glory finally paid off in 1992 when he won the championship after years of heartbreak. Known for his aggressive style and crowd-pleasing performances, Mansell remains one of Britain’s most beloved and tenacious racing stars.

3. Jim Clark – brilliance that ended too soon

Jim Clark delivered unmatched dominance during the 1963 season, winning seven out of ten races. His versatility across motorsport disciplines and his tragic death in 1968 left a legacy of what might have been, securing his place as one of F1’s greats.

2. Jackie Stewart – a champion on and off the track

With three world titles, Jackie Stewart was a dominant force in the late 1960s and early '70s. After retiring, he became a vocal advocate for driver safety, helping to revolutionize the sport’s approach to protecting its stars.

1. Lewis Hamilton – the undisputed British F1 icon

Sir. Lewis Hamilton — Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com

Lewis Hamilton’s career has redefined what success looks like in Formula 1. With seven championships and a host of records, including most pole positions and wins, Hamilton stands at the pinnacle of British motorsport. Despite recent struggles at Ferrari, his legacy is already sealed.