From Mediocre to Greatest: 47 Formula 1 Drivers Ranked by Experts

Crowning the greatest Formula 1 driver isn’t just about stats—it’s about skill, dominance, and the lasting impact on the sport. From fearless pioneers to modern legends, F1’s history is defined by those who pushed the limits of speed and strategy. This ranking spans generations, from Senna’s brilliance to Schumacher’s reign and Hamilton’s relentless pursuit of victory. Some names are undisputed icons, while others stir endless debate. Who truly deserves the top spot?

47. Nyck de Vries

Nyck de Vries’ 2023 season was his rookie year in Formula 1, driving for AlphaTauri. Despite the high expectations surrounding his debut, de Vries faced the tough reality of competing in the midfield, with AlphaTauri struggling to provide a competitive car. This led to his being released from the team and Formula 1 in mid-season after the 2023 British Grand Prix. His performances were commendable given the circumstances, demonstrating his adaptability and determination.

His contributions to Formula E and the FIA World Endurance Championship with Mahindra Racing and Toyota Gazoo Racing, respectively, continue to underline his adaptability and competitive spirit in the racing world.

46. Rubens Barrichello

Rubens “Rubinho” Gonçalves Barrichello, born May 23, 1972, in São Paulo, Brazil, is one of Formula One’s most enduring and beloved drivers. With a career spanning 19 seasons, Barrichello’s record for the most race starts in Formula One history underscores his longevity and consistency in the sport. His time with Ferrari, as Michael Schumacher’s teammate, was marked by considerable success, including championship runner-up finishes in 2002 and 2004, contributing to five constructors’ titles and becoming an integral part of one of Formula One’s most dominant teams.

Barrichello’s career is also notable for his adaptability, driving for several teams, including Honda and Brawn GP, where he continued to achieve podium finishes and remained a competitive force in the sport. His move to the IndyCar Series and the Brazilian Stock Car V8 Series after Formula One, along with his championship win in the latter, demonstrates Barrichello’s passion and talent for racing. Beyond his achievements on the track, his role in the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association and as a television commentator reflects his ongoing commitment to and influence within the world of motorsport.

45. Felipe Massa

Felipe Massa, born on April 25, 1981, in São Paulo, Brazil, is known for his dynamic presence in Formula One and his subsequent move to Formula E, showcasing his versatility as a racing driver. Massa’s early career in karting set the foundation for a successful transition through the ranks of Formula Chevrolet, Italian Formula Renault, and Euro Formula 3000, where his championship win in 2001 highlighted his rising star. His Formula One journey began with Sauber, leading to a significant tenure with Scuderia Ferrari, where he achieved notable success, including winning his home Grand Prix in 2006. This feat made him the first Brazilian since Ayrton Senna to do so.

Massa’s dramatic 2008 season saw him narrowly miss the World Championship, showcasing his resilience and competitive spirit. His career, marked by a serious injury in 2009 and a strong comeback, demonstrates Massa’s determination and dedication to racing. Despite fluctuating fortunes in subsequent seasons, his contributions to Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championships and his tenure with Williams, where he continued demonstrating his skill and experience, solidify Massa’s legacy as a prominent figure in motorsport.

44. Gerhard Berger

Gerhard Berger, born on August 27, 1959, in Wörgl, Austria, is celebrated as one of Formula One’s most charismatic and talented drivers. Throughout his 14-season career, Berger’s skill and determination saw him finish 3rd in the championship twice, both times with Ferrari, highlighting his competitive edge and consistency at the highest level of motorsport. His achievements include ten Grand Prix victories, 48 podium finishes, and a significant presence in the sport with 210 starts, making him one of the most experienced drivers of his era. Berger’s unique distinction of securing the first and last victories for Benetton, eleven years apart, underscores his enduring talent and adaptability across different teams and racing conditions.

Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Berger’s contribution to Formula One extends to his involvement with Scuderia Toro Rosso, where he held a 50% ownership stake, demonstrating his deep understanding of the sport from both a driver’s and an executive’s perspective. His partnership with Ayrton Senna at McLaren, contributing to the team’s constructors’ titles in 1990 and 1991, showcases the high regard in which his peers held him. Today, Gerhard Berger’s legacy in Formula One is remembered not just for his victories and podiums but for the flair and competitiveness he brought to the sport.