The Top 20 F1 World Champions Ranked by Points: From least to most

September 20, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

From record-breaking seasons to intense title battles, Formula 1 has seen some incredible performances from its World Champions. This list ranks the top 20 drivers based on the points they earned in their championship-winning seasons.

Max Verstappen leads the pack, with his dominance in recent years, while legends like Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher showcase their unmatched consistency and speed. Whether it's Verstappen's record-breaking 2023 season or Schumacher's unmatched wins in 2004, these drivers have set the bar for excellence in motorsport.

Here's a look at the top 20 World Drivers' Champions, ranked by their points-scoring achievements.

20. Alain Prost (1986) - 72 points

Prost's season in 1986 was marked by an intense battle for the title, but he didn't manage to accumulate more than the 72 points that placed him relatively low compared to his rivals.

19. Niki Lauda (1984) - 72 points

Lauda, who returned to Formula 1 after his terrifying accident, secured 72 points in the 1984 season. It was a respectable performance, but far from the highest point scorers.

18. Alain Prost (1985) - 73 points

Prost continued his fight for the championship in 1985, finishing with 73 points. It was a solid result, but another year without the absolute top position.

17. Ayrton Senna (1991) - 96 points

Senna was establishing himself as one of Formula 1's most promising stars in 1991. With 96 points, he showed his great ability and was a preview of the triumphs he would achieve later.

16. Michael Schumacher (2001) - 123 points

Schumacher was at his peak in 2001, and his 123 points were a clear testament to his dominance in the sport. This year was one of his most successful seasons.

15. Fernando Alonso (2005) - 133 points

Alonso's 2005 season was historic, as he became the youngest world champion at the time. His 133 points were a key factor in his success.

14. Fernando Alonso (2006) - 134 points

The following year, in 2006, Alonso managed to secure even more points and defend his world championship title with 134 points, showcasing his consistency and skill.

13. Michael Schumacher (2004) - 148 points

Schumacher was unbeatable in 2004, and his 148 points marked a fantastic season. His dominance in this season is still a milestone for future drivers.

12. Michael Schumacher (2002) - 144 points

Schumacher continued his impressive career in 2002 with 144 points, helping him to another world championship title. His strong performances in this season were remembered as a milestone in Formula 1 history.

11. Sebastian Vettel (2012) - 281 points

Red Bull RB9 — By Morio - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25307755

Vettel was in a class of his own in 2012, and his 281 points solidified his status as one of the best in the sport. This was one of the years where he truly showed his strength.

10. Lewis Hamilton (2020) - 347 points

In 2020, Hamilton was at the top of his career. His 347 points showed how he could consistently deliver results, even under the most challenging conditions.

9. Lewis Hamilton (2017) - 363 points

Hamilton delivered a fantastic performance in 2017 and ended the season with 363 points, which was enough to secure the world championship that year.

8. Lewis Hamilton (2015) - 381 points

In 2015, Hamilton was a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1, and his 381 points were a testament to his superior skills and consistent performance.

7. Sebastian Vettel (2011) - 392 points

Vettel had an exceptional 2011 season, finishing with 392 points and securing his second consecutive World Championship title. His dominant performances throughout the season showcased his skill, consistency, and ability to handle pressure, establishing him as one of the sport's rising stars and a true leader in the championship battle.

6. Max Verstappen (2021) - 395.5 points

Verstappen was one of the strongest drivers in 2021, accumulating 395.5 points in a season marked by an epic championship battle with Lewis Hamilton.

5. Sebastian Vettel (2013) - 397 points

Vettel had an impressive 2013 season, and his 397 points were a clear testament to his dominance. This season showed him as one of the best in the sport.

4. Lewis Hamilton (2018) - 408 points

Hamilton had a remarkable 2018 season, finishing with 408 points and securing his fifth World Championship title. His skill in handling the pressure of a tight title battle, especially against Sebastian Vettel, was evident throughout the year. Hamilton's ability to consistently finish at the front, even in challenging races, showcased his exceptional driving talent and made him a dominant figure in the sport during that season.

3. Lewis Hamilton (2019) - 413 points

In 2019, Hamilton delivered a fantastic performance with 413 points, securing him yet another championship title and marking him as one of the most successful drivers in the sport.

2. Max Verstappen (2022) - 454 points

Verstappen showed his strength in 2022, where he had an almost unbeatable season with 454 points, which gave him his second world championship title.

1. Max Verstappen (2023) - 575 points

Verstappen topped them all with 575 points in 2023, a record result that set a new standard in Formula 1 and cemented his status as one of the greatest in the sport.