Cover Michael Schumacher during the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit (Photo: Clive Rose/GettyImages)
Michael Schumacher during the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit (Photo: Clive Rose/GettyImages)
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These Formula One drivers are regarded as icons by some and legends by most.
Since 1950, Formula One has been seen as the pinnacle of motorsport. Countless racers have graced the track with their commanding presence backed by their extraordinary skill, versatility, and endurance. Still, only a few get to be called the ‘greatest’—that title is reserved for those who have broken records, pushed boundaries, and changed how the game is played. In this article, we explore five Formula One racers who have risen above the rest to make history.
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Michael Schumacher
Widely celebrated as the greatest of all time, Michael Schumacher holds 91 F1 Grand Prix race victories, breaking Alain Prost’s previous record of 51. He initially retired in 2006 but returned to the track in 2010 under Mercedes. He officially retired in 2012 after racing at the Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo, where he finished seventh. The following year, Schumacher fell into a coma after a skiing accident in Meribel, France. More than a decade later, he continues to receive rehabilitative care in hopes of a complete recovery.
Niki Lauda
A force of nature on the track, Niki Lauda is an Austrian racer and aviator who won three Formula One Grand Prix world championships. Most remember him for his strong will and determination to race—coming back just six weeks after a horrific car crash that left him severely injured. His rivalry with James Hunt made fans all over the world go wild, and his popularity has generated multiple documentaries and films on his life, such as Rush (2013) and Hunt vs Lauda: F1’s Greatest Racing Rivals (2013). He retired in 1979 to focus on Lauda Air, the airline he founded earlier in the same year.
Ayrton Senna
A fierce racer on the track, Ayrton Senna started his career very early, karting at 13 years old, and immediately won on his debut. He took the European karting scene by storm and caught the eye of Formula One team bosses, who wanted him for his speed, consistency, and adaptability to changing track conditions. He earned 41 Grand Prix wins and 65 pole positions. His rivalry with Prost is regarded as bloodthirsty, making fans crave even more. He tragically died in 1994 during the San Marino Grand Prix when he crashed into a concrete barrier, but he is still celebrated to this day for his skill and charisma.
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Alain Prost
Nicknamed ‘The Professor’ for his genius intellect when it comes to racing, Prost was smooth behind the wheel—often keeping a cool head. With 51 Grand Prix victories, four world championships and an intense rivalry with Senna, he set a new standard for Formula One racing—combining skill, talent, and tactics to create a formidable racer.
Lewis Hamilton
Possibly the greatest driver in recent Formula One history, British racer Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most race wins at 103. Hamilton has also won seven Formula One World Drivers’ Championship titles—tying with Schumacher—104 pole positions, and 198 podium finishes. He currently races under the banner of Mercedes AMG Petronas.
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Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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