Just in: F1 Star Announced as the greatest driver of all time…Read more 

Formula 1 has never lacked legendary drivers, but deciding who stands above the rest remains one of the sport’s most difficult debates. Comparing competitors from different generations is particularly challenging because the cars, regulations, safety standards, race calendars and level of competition have changed dramatically over the decades.
To provide a broader perspective, Motorsport.com, Autosport and Yahoo Sports brought together 10 motorsport journalists and asked each to rank their 25 greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. The voting system awarded 25 points for a first-place vote, 24 for second and continued down to one point for 25th. The combined results produced a fascinating verdict — and an extraordinary tie at the top.
Hamilton and Schumacher cannot be separated
Seven-time world champions Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher finished level on 235 points, making them joint No. 1 in the overall ranking.
Hamilton received four first-place votes, more than any other driver, and was placed ahead of Schumacher on six of the 10 ballots. His record includes seven world championships, 105 Grand Prix victories and 104 pole positions. His career has also seen him win titles with McLaren and Mercedes before adding further success with Ferrari.
Schumacher’s achievements remain equally remarkable. The German won seven world championships and 91 Grands Prix, including five consecutive titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004. Nine of the 10 voters placed him inside their top three, demonstrating the strength of his reputation across generations.
Senna and Fangio complete the leading group
Ayrton Senna occupies third place after receiving strong support from the panel. The Brazilian won three world championships, 41 races and an impressive 65 pole positions from 161 starts. His qualifying performances and ability to produce extraordinary laps under pressure remain central to his legacy.
Five-time champion Juan Manuel Fangio is fourth. The Argentine dominated the early years of the world championship, winning 24 of his 51 Grand Prix starts and claiming championships with four different teams.
Alain Prost completes the top five. The Frenchman won four world championships and 51 races, establishing himself as one of the most intelligent and consistent drivers in F1 history.
Max Verstappen, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Jim Clark and Fernando Alonso complete Motorsport’s top 10. Verstappen’s four consecutive championships from 2021 to 2024 and 71 victories have already secured his place among the sport’s greats, while Stewart’s three titles, Lauda’s three championships, Clark’s dominance and Alonso’s two titles strengthen an exceptionally competitive top 10.
Motorsport’s Top 10 Greatest F1 Drivers
Lewis Hamilton — 7 World Championships, 105 wins, 104 poles
Michael Schumacher — 7 World Championships, 91 wins, 68 poles
Ayrton Senna — 3 World Championships, 41 wins, 65 poles
Juan Manuel Fangio — 5 World Championships, 24 wins
Alain Prost — 4 World Championships, 51 wins
Max Verstappen — 4 World Championships, 71 wins
Jackie Stewart — 3 World Championships, 27 wins
Niki Lauda — 3 World Championships, 25 wins
Jim Clark — 2 World Championships, 25 wins
Fernando Alonso — 2 World Championships, 32 wins
The final verdict leaves Formula 1 with an appropriately dramatic conclusion: Hamilton and Schumacher share the No. 1 position, ensuring that the greatest-driver debate will continue for years to come.