Through the years: A recap of Formula 1 World Champions
Since the ignition of Formula 1's engines in 1950, the highest echelon of open-wheel racing has followed a tradition of crowning the world's best drivers and constructors.
This prestigious sport has not only showcased the pinnacle of automotive technology but also highlighted extraordinary talent, both on the track and behind the scenes. The historical ledger of Formula 1 champions is a testament to the sport's evolving competitive landscape. As of 2024, Max Verstappen has etched his name into history with a breathtaking fourth consecutive drivers' title, underscoring a new era of dominance.
Drivers' championship: a chronicle of legends
The Formula 1 drivers' championship has been an annual spectacle, crowning the sport's finest since its inception. The roll of honor is a who's who of motor racing legends, from Giuseppe Farina, the inaugural champion of 1950, to Max Verstappen, the reigning champion as of 2024.
In the current landscape, Verstappen's quartet of titles continues a tradition of dominance reminiscent of the sport's greats. Before Verstappen's ascendancy, Lewis Hamilton was the defining figure, with his last championship win in 2020 marking his incredible contribution to F1. Hamilton's era of supremacy was preceded by the likes of Sebastian Vettel, whose grip on the championship between 2010 and 2013 showcased his exceptional skill and determination.
This illustrious list also includes icons like Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, among others. Each name represents an era of Formula 1, encapsulating the sport's evolving competitive dynamics and technological advancements.
Constructors' championship: the battle of the teams
While individual drivers receive much of the limelight, the constructors' championship highlights the crucial role of teams in Formula 1. Since 1958, the championship has acknowledged the team that assembles the finest machinery and strategies across the season.
The constructors' title has also seen its share of dynasties. Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams have all had periods of unmatched success. Most recently, Red Bull Racing has reasserted its dominance with consecutive wins, marking another chapter in the relentless pursuit of F1 supremacy. Prior to Red Bull's recent surge, Mercedes was the embodiment of excellence, securing the constructors' title from 2014 to 2021 – an era defined by technological innovation and unparalleled performance.
The history of Formula 1's champions tells a richer story beyond the numbers. It's a saga of human endeavor, ingenuity, and the unyielding quest for speed. As Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing currently lead both championships, their achievements are the latest brushstrokes on the sport's vast canvas.
Yet, as history has shown, the quest for glory never ceases, with teams and drivers already eyeing the next race, the next season, and the next chapter in Formula 1's storied legacy.
Formula 1 has, over the decades, transcended motorsport to become a global spectacle of speed, strategy, and stamina. Its record of champions—both drivers and constructors—stands as a monument to the sport's enduring allure and the relentless pursuit of perfection. As we celebrate the latest champions, we also look forward to the future, eager to see how the history of this magnificent sport continues to unfold.
All-time F1 drivers' and constructors' championship winners
Drivers
2024: Max Verstappen
2023: Max Verstappen
2022: Max Verstappen
2021: Max Verstappen
2020: Lewis Hamilton
2019: Lewis Hamilton
2018: Lewis Hamilton
2017: Lewis Hamilton
2016: Nico Rosberg
2015: Lewis Hamilton
2014: Lewis Hamilton
2013: Sebastian Vettel
2012: Sebastian Vettel
2011: Sebastian Vettel
2010: Sebastian Vettel
2009: Jenson Button
2008: Lewis Hamilton
2007: Kimi Raikkonen
2006: Fernando Alonso
2005: Fernando Alonso
2004: Michael Schumacher
2003: Michael Schumacher
2002: Michael Schumacher
2001: Michael Schumacher
2000: Michael Schumacher
1999: Mika Pauli Hakkinen
1998: Mika Pauli Hakkinen
1997: Jacques Villeneuve
1996: Damon Hill
1995: Michael Schumacher
1994: Michael Schumacher
1993: Alain Prost
1992: Nigel Mansell
1991: Ayrton Senna
1990: Ayrton Senna
1989: Alain Prost
1988: Ayrton Senna
1987: Nelson Piquet
1986: Alain Prost
1985: Alain Prost
1984: Niki Lauda
1983: Nelson Piquet
1982: Keke Rosberg
1981: Nelson Piquet
1980: Alan Jones
1979: Jody Scheckter
1978: Mario Andretti
1977: Niki Lauda
1976: James Hunt
1975: Niki Lauda
1974: Emerson Fittipaldi
1973: Jackie Stewart
1972: Emerson Fittipaldi
1971: Jackie Stewart
1970: Jochen Rindt
1969: Jackie Stewart
1968: Graham Hill
1967: Denis Hulme
1966: Jack Brabham
1965: Jim Clark
1964: John Surtees
1963: Jim Clark
1962: Graham Hill
1961: Phil Hill
1960: Jack Brabham
1959: Jack Brabham
1958: Mike Hawthorn
1957: Juan Manuel Fangio
1956: Juan Manuel Fangio
1955: Juan Manuel Fangio
1954: Juan Manuel Fangio
1953: Alberto Ascari
1952: Alberto Ascari
1951: Juan Manuel Fangio
1950: Giuseppe Farina
Constructors
2023: Red Bull Racing
2022: Red Bull Racing
2021: Mercedes
2020: Mercedes
2019: Mercedes
2018: Mercedes
2017: Mercedes
2016: Mercedes
2015: Mercedes
2014: Mercedes
2013: Red Bull Racing
2012: Red Bull Racing
2011: Red Bull Racing
2010: Red Bull Racing
2009: Brawn GP
2008: Ferrari
2007: Ferrari
2006: Renault
2005: Renault
2004: Ferrari
2003: Ferrari
2002: Ferrari
2001: Ferrari
2000: Ferrari
1999: Ferrari
1998: McLaren
1997: Williams
1996: Williams
1995: Benetton
1994: Williams
1993: Williams
1992: Williams
1991: McLaren
1990: McLaren
1989: McLaren
1988: McLaren
1987: Williams
1986: Williams
1985: McLaren
1984: McLaren
1983: Ferrari
1982: Ferrari
1981: Williams
1980: Williams
1979: Ferrari
1978: Lotus
1977: Ferrari
1976: Ferrari
1975: Ferrari
1974: McLaren
1973: Lotus
1972: Lotus
1971: Tyrrell
1970: Lotus
1969: Matra
1968: Lotus
1967: Brabham
1966: Brabham
1965: Lotus
1964: Ferrari
1963: Lotus
1962: BRM
1961: Ferrari
1960: Cooper
1959: Cooper
1958: Vanwall
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