75 Years of Formula 1: The Legends Who Defined the Sport

For 75 years, Formula 1 has stood at the pinnacle of motorsport, driven not only by ground-breaking technology but by the exceptional talent of those behind the wheel and the brilliant minds behind the machines. This blog marks the beginning of a series celebrating the past 75 years of Formula 1 as we reach it's birthday — a true masterpiece of sport and innovation.

F1’s early years were a test of bravery and skill in an era where safety was almost non-existent. Juan Manuel Fangio was the standout driver, winning five world championships with four different teams—Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes, and Ferrari. His ability to adapt and extract the maximum from any car set the benchmark for greatness. The 1960s saw the rise of Jim Clark, a driver whose natural talent was unmatched. A two-time world champion with Lotus, Clark’s ability to dominate races with precision made him a legend. Tragically, his career was cut short in 1968, reinforcing the dangers of the sport at the time. Another key figure was Jack Brabham, who not only won three titles but also became the first and only driver to win a championship in a car of his own design—an achievement that remains unparalleled.

The 1970s introduced a new era of competition and technical advancements. Niki Lauda, a methodical and disciplined driver, won three world championships and made one of the most remarkable comebacks in F1 history. After suffering life-threatening burns in a crash at the Nürburgring in 1976, he returned just six weeks later to fight for the title, narrowly losing to James Hunt, whose aggressive driving style made him a fan favourite.

The 1980s belonged to Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, whose rivalry became one of the fiercest in F1 history. Senna’s raw speed, relentless aggression, and almost spiritual connection with the car made him an icon. Prost, by contrast, was methodical and strategic, earning him the nickname “The Professor.” Their battles—especially their controversial collisions in 1989 and 1990 at Suzuka—defined the era. Senna’s untimely death at Imola in 1994 remains one of the sport’s most tragic moments, but his influence on driving standards and safety continues to shape F1 today. Another dominant force of this period was Nelson Piquet, a three-time world champion known for his technical understanding and ability to develop a car to his advantage.

The late 1990s and early 2000s were dominated by one name: Michael Schumacher. After winning two titles with Benetton, Schumacher’s move to Ferrari transformed both his career and the team’s fortunes. From 2000 to 2004, he won five consecutive titles, setting records for wins, poles, and championships. His relentless work ethic, precision, and ability to perform under pressure made him the benchmark for modern F1 drivers. This era also saw the rise of Mika Häkkinen, one of Schumacher’s greatest rivals. A two-time champion with McLaren, Häkkinen’s natural speed and composure in wheel-to-wheel battles made him one of the most respected drivers of his time.

As the sport evolved with hybrid technology and increasing globalisation, a new dominant force emerged: Lewis Hamilton. After securing his first title with McLaren in 2008, Hamilton’s move to Mercedes in 2013 propelled him to a level of dominance few had achieved before. Between 2014 and 2020, he won six more championships, equalling Schumacher’s record of seven titles and surpassing him in career wins and pole positions. His consistency, adaptability, and ability to perform across multiple generations of cars solidified his place as one of the greatest drivers in history.

Hamilton’s reign was eventually challenged by Max Verstappen, the youngest race winner in F1 history. His aggressive driving style, fearless overtakes, and raw speed made him a formidable competitor. In 2021, Verstappen won his first world championship in dramatic fashion, defeating Hamilton in a controversial finale in Abu Dhabi. Since then, he has continued to dominate, winning four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024 with Red Bull Racing. 

In recent years, the driver market has seen seismic shifts, with Hamilton making a bold move to Ferrari for 2025, a decision that could define the next chapter of his career. Meanwhile, younger stars like Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell are emerging as potential future champions, ensuring that the sport remains as competitive as ever.

Over the past 75 years, Formula 1 has been defined by its drivers—icons who pushed the limits of speed, skill, and courage. From Fangio’s mastery to Senna’s passion, Schumacher’s dominance to Hamilton’s relentless pursuit of excellence, each generation has left an indelible mark on the sport. As we look ahead, F1 continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant: the pursuit of greatness behind the wheel.