Formula One (F1), the premier category of open-wheeled auto racing, has been steadily gaining popularity since its inception in 1950. Initially, it was a niche event, attended solely by die-hard motorsport enthusiasts, drivers, and competing teams. However, over the years, it has captured the attention of the masses, with even casual viewers closely following the developments in F1.
The success of drivers, particularly those who have achieved great feats, has played a significant role in boosting the popularity of the sport. Thanks to the exceptional talents of individuals like Michael Schumacher, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen, fans have been introduced to the captivating world of F1.
As the 2024 F1 season approaches, let us briefly examine some of the sport’s greatest heroes. Here are five drivers who have secured the most World Drivers’ Championships in F1 history:
Sebastian Vettel, known for his charismatic personality, holds the fifth position on the list of the most successful F1 drivers. The German driver claimed four World Drivers’ Championships, all of which were achieved during an astonishingly dominant period with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013. His most outstanding season was in 2011, when he clinched the title with four races remaining.
Vettel bid farewell to F1 at the conclusion of the 2022 season. However, with Sir Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025, fans are hopeful that Vettel may make a comeback for one final performance on the grid.
Alain Prost, a revered figure in French motorsport, secured four World Drivers’ Championships throughout his illustrious career. Three of Prost’s titles were earned with McLaren, while one came with Williams.
Prost’s initial World Championship triumph occurred in 1985, where he achieved five victories in 16 races that season. He successfully defended his title the following year but had to wait a couple of years before adding his third championship to his collection. Prost faced difficulties securing a seat in F1 in 1992 but made a remarkable comeback in 1993, winning his fourth World Drivers’ Championship with Williams.
Juan Manuel Fangio dominated the F1 scene in the 1950s, claiming five World Drivers’ Championships between 1951 and 1957. The Argentine speedster participated in 52 races during his career, achieving 35 podium finishes and 24 victories.
Fangio secured his first championship victory in 1951 while driving for Alfa Romeo. He returned to the top in 1954, thanks to an impressive season with Maserati. The Argentinian driver triumphed once again in 1955, this time representing Mercedes. Fangio claimed his fourth championship with Ferrari in 1956 before concluding his career with Maserati and another victory lap in 1957.
Sir Lewis Hamilton, the only active F1 racer mentioned in this list, has already claimed a joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championships. His initial triumph came in 2008 with McLaren, while the remaining six were achieved with Mercedes between 2013 and 2020.
Hamilton, who will be competing in his final season with Mercedes this year, secured four consecutive titles from 2017 to 2020 until Max Verstappen ended his dominance. At the age of 39, he will be the second oldest driver on the grid, with Fernando Alonso, aged 42, being the oldest. However, Hamilton shows no signs of slowing down. If Mercedes can provide him with a competitive car, it would not be surprising to see him challenge Verstappen for the championship.
Arguably the greatest driver in F1 history, Michael Schumacher, shares the record for the most World Drivers’ Championships with seven titles. The German driver, who retired for the second time in 2012, won two championships with Benetton and five with Ferrari. All of Schumacher’s titles were achieved during his initial stint in F1 from 1991 to 2006.
In 1994, Schumacher secured his first World Drivers’ Championship with Benetton, successfully defending his title the following year. After a five-year drought, he returned to the top, donning Ferrari’s iconic red suit. Schumacher went on to win five consecutive F1 Drivers’ Championships from 2000 to 2004, setting a record that the three-time world champion Max Verstappen aims to surpass.
Schumacher initially retired in 2006 but made a comeback when Mercedes entered F1 as a constructor in 2010. He spent three seasons with the Silver Arrows but failed to regain his previous dominance. In October 2012, he announced his retirement for the second and final time.