Fellipe Masa, Stirling Moss, Lando Norris

Top 10 Greatest F1 Drivers Without a World Championship – Ranked

July 24, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Formula 1 has seen legends rise and fall—but not all of them made it to the very top. Some drivers thrilled fans, broke records, and dominated weekends, yet never captured the ultimate crown. These are the 10 greatest F1 drivers never to win a world title.

10. Lando Norris

Still early in his F1 career, Lando Norris has already shown immense talent and consistency. Despite not yet having race-winning machinery, he continues to challenge the front-runners and has become McLaren's central figure. If luck—and car performance—align, his time may yet come.

9. Valtteri Bottas

A dependable force at Mercedes during the team's dominant era, Bottas collected multiple wins but never stepped out of Lewis Hamilton’s shadow. Despite his speed and loyalty, he lacked the killer instinct and timing to mount a serious title campaign.

8. René Arnoux

Known for his raw speed and aggressive driving, Arnoux could beat anyone on his day. However, frequent clashes with teammates and team bosses undermined his consistency. His tenure at Renault and Ferrari showed flashes of brilliance, but never a full title run.

7. Tony Brooks

Often considered one of the most underrated talents in F1 history, Brooks won six Grand Prix races in the 1950s. His smooth, calculated style impressed many, and he came close to the championship in 1959—but misfortune and team errors cost him the crown.

6. Carlos Reutemann

Reutemann came within a whisker of the 1981 title, only to fall short in the final race. Gifted with excellent pace and adaptability, the Argentine had a long and successful career, but he often struggled under pressure when it mattered most.

5. Jean Alesi

A fan favorite known for his passion and flair, Alesi's only F1 win came at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix. Despite his natural talent, poor career decisions—most notably joining Ferrari during a rebuilding phase—kept him away from real title contention.

4. Felipe Massa

Massa's 2008 heartbreak remains one of the sport’s most emotional moments—he was world champion for 38 seconds before Lewis Hamilton stole the title on the final corner. Loyal and quick, Massa proved himself a formidable competitor during the Ferrari years.

3. Ronnie Peterson

Dubbed the "SuperSwede," Peterson was lightning-fast and fearless. A qualifying master and a natural racer, he often sacrificed his own chances to support teammates. His tragic death in 1978 cut short a career that was building toward championship glory.

2. Gilles Villeneuve

Charismatic, daring, and adored by fans, Villeneuve defined the spirit of racing. Though never crowned champion, he gave everything every time he got behind the wheel. His battles, particularly in 1979, became instant classics—and his legacy lives on.

1. Stirling Moss

The greatest driver to never win a world title. Moss finished runner-up four times and was often a victim of bad luck or team politics. More than just fast, he raced with integrity—even defending a rival at his own expense in 1958. A true gentleman and a motorsport icon.