backwash car fan are a passionate bunch . Whether it’sNASCAR , IndyCar orFormula One(formerly Formula 1 or F1 ) , they love to consider who is the greatest race railway car driver of all time . There ’s not exactly an documentary way to shape that , but we sure can gush about some of the mostfamous race motorcar machine driver .
Fans of racing and performance driving hotly debate the merits of various drivers — their championships , rivalries and the trophies that got away . Here , we ’ve cleave the monolithic tilt by the kind of racing these drivers built a reputation around .
27 Unforgettable NASCAR Drivers
1. Dale Earnhardt
Dale Earnhardtrepresents , for many race car sports fan , the pinnacle of excellence . Earnhardt started his legendary career in 1975 at the World 600 , which was held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway as part of the Winston Cup Series ( today the Sprint Cup Series ) .
From there , Earnhardt won a total of 76 Winston Cup races , including34 victories at Daytona International Speedway(and one Daytona 500 ) , the most of any racer . He also earned seven NASCAR Winston Cup Championships .
His strong-growing — some take dangerous — push style earn him the nickname " The Intimidator . "
Earnhardt die Feb. 18 , 2001 , at the Daytona International Speedway , when he crashed on the very last lap of the race . Earnhardt has since been invest into numerous hall of renown , including the very first class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame .
2. Richard Petty
Richard Petty , dub " The King , " raced in the Grand National era of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series . He bring home the bacon the NASCAR Championship a phonograph record seven times ( tie for most wins with Dale Earnhardtand Jimmie Johnson ) and won a phonograph recording 200 races during his vocation .
Richard Petty also won the Daytona 500 a record seven times and win a record 10 straight wash in the 1967 time of year . Statistically , Petty is still themost accomplished driverin the history of NASCAR , and he continue one of the most well-thought-of figures in motorsport .
His other accomplishment include winning a book number of terminal positions ( 127 ) in blood line car racing and over 700 Top 10 finishes in his 1,184 starts , include 513 serial starts from 1971 to 1989 .
3. Junior Johnson
Junior Johnson was n’t just a NASCAR protagonist ; he was a pioneer . Before dominate on the track , he was a moonshine ball carrier , and those bootlegging skill translated directly into racing success .
Johnson claimed 50 Cup Series wins as a gadget driver , but his not bad impact came as a squad owner and pioneer . He was one of the first to understand the grandness of aerodynamics , helping change the game for succeeding racers .
4. Bill France Sr.
If NASCAR had a founding father , it would be Bill France Sr . In 1947 , France spearhead the instauration of NASCAR , give the rules and administration that would transubstantiate a regional play into a home sensation .
His vision brought genuineness and structure to descent car racing , and as the athletics ’s first president , he laid the groundwork for what would become one of the biggest motorsports leagues in the world .
" Big Bill " was more than just a machine driver ; without France ’s ambition and foresight , NASCAR only would n’t live as we know it .
5. David Pearson
dub " The Silver Fox " for his cunning subspecies strategy , David Pearson was one of the most gifted and efficient drivers to ever hit the path . With 105 wins and three Cup Series championships , Pearson was a master of knowing when to push and when to hold back .
His rivalry with Richard Petty is one of the cracking in NASCAR history , with the two trading victories throughout their careers . Pearson may not have race full - clock time as long as others , but his win portion speaks for itself ; he was plainly that skillful .
6. Cale Yarborough
Cale Yarborough was a tough , fearless contender with a fighting spirit , both on and off the track . Known for his relentless driving style , he became the first driver in NASCAR history to win three back-to-back Cup Series championships from 1976 to 1978 .
With 83 life history victories , Yarborough was a dominant force in the seventies and early ' 80s , always pushing the limits . His tenacity and trigger-happy rivalries made him one of the most respected and feared number one wood of his era .
7. Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip brought personality and flair to NASCAR like few others . A three - time Cup Series champion , Waltrip ’s 84 career wins and memorable on - track battle made him a fan favourite .
Known for his vocal nature and colorful commentary , he helped lend a novel tier of personal appeal to the sport . Whether he was rubbing buffer or calling the races from the program booth , Waltrip ’s impact on NASCAR has been felt in more ways than one .
8. Bobby Allison
Bobby Allison ’s racing resume is nothing short of fabled . With 84 career wins , including three Daytona 500 victories , Allison was a effect to be reckoned with .
have it away for his versatility on all types of tracks , he was one of the original appendage of the " Alabama Gang , " a group of drivers from Hueytown who master in the seventies . Allison ’s battle with rival Darrell Waltrip and the disaster that struck his kinsfolk cement his spot as one of NASCAR ’s all - fourth dimension greats .
9. Herb Thomas
Herb Thomas was NASCAR ’s first two - sentence champion , winning claim in 1951 and 1953 . With 48 victories in only 228 starts , his win rate was staggering . Thomas was a primal figure in NASCAR ’s early days , setting the touchstone for succeeding champion with his consistence and adaptability on the track .
His vocation may have been cut myopic due to injuries , but his dominance in the sport ’s formative years helped pave the way for future generations of driver .
10. Tim Flock
Tim Flock was one of the sport ’s most coloured fictional character in its former days . Flock won two Cup Series backing in 1952 and 1955 , but he ’s perhaps best know for racing with a rhesus monkey , Jocko Flocko , turn on along in his car .
While his drive prank were fabled , so was his skill . Flock ’s 39 career victories and mechanically skillful expertise made him one of the top drivers of his earned run average . He take a mixture of amusement and serious natural endowment to the track .
11. Lee Petty
Before his son Richard Petty became " The King , " Lee Petty was the man to ticktack . As one of NASCAR ’s original ace , Lee come through three Cup Series championships and was the first driver to win the Daytona 500 in 1959 .
With 54 career victories , he set the foundation for the Petty family dynasty in racing . Lee Petty was fuck for his business - like approach to racing , which helped him stay free-enterprise for more than a decennary .
12. Ned Jarrett
Ned Jarrett take in the byname " Gentleman Ned " for his clear and calculated drive style . A two - meter Cup Series champion in 1961 and 1965 , Jarrett was known for his blandness behind the wheel and his respect for fellow drivers .
With 50 career wins , he was a consistent rival in his era , but he ’s equally call back for his successful conversion to the program booth , where his knowledge and brainwave helped elevate NASCAR ’s television set coverage .
13. Buck Baker
Buck Baker was one of the toughest number one wood to ever compete in NASCAR . With a career that spanned three ten , Baker succeed back - to - back Cup Series championships in 1956 and 1957 , accumulating 46 career profits along the mode .
His strong-growing drive style made him a fierce competitor , and his longevity in the sport was impressive . Baker also played a polar role in mentoring vernal driver , include his son Buddy Baker , who became a star in his own right .
14. Fireball Roberts
Glenn " Fireball " Roberts was one of NASCAR ’s first true superstars , known for his upper and charisma . With 33 career victories , including the 1962 Daytona 500 , Roberts had a raw talent that earned him host of devotee .
His nickname occur from his vend arm in baseball , but it apply just as well to his blaze fast drive style . Tragically , Roberts ' career and life were cut poor in a perfervid crash in 1964 , but his bequest as one of NASCAR ’s early heroes endures .
15. Benny Parsons
Benny Parsons brought a unequaled mix of grit and grace to NASCAR . He deliver the goods the 1973 Cup Series championship and claimed triumph in the 1975 Daytona 500 , but it was his report as one of the sport ’s most gentlemanly driver that gear up him apart .
After retiring with 21 vocation wins , Parsons found a second life history in the broadcast booth , where his insightful commentary and tender personality made him a buff favorite all over again . Parsons was one of NASCAR ’s genuine ambassador , on and off the track .
16. Dale Jarrett
Dale Jarrett carve his own path to enormousness , emerging from his celebrated racing family unit to become a three - time Daytona 500 winner and the 1999 Cup Series champion . With 32 career victories , Jarrett ’s calm , unbendable demeanor behind the wheel made him a mannikin of consistence in the 1990s .
His biggest triumph come with his recollective partnership with squad possessor Robert Yates , which produced some of NASCAR ’s most dominant performances . After bed , Jarrett join the broadcast squad , continuing his influence on the sport .
17. Fred Lorenzen
Fred Lorenzen , jazz as " The Golden Boy , " was one of the variation ’s most famed drivers in the 1960s , despite never running a full time of year . With 26 career victories , including two Coca - Cola 600 wins , Lorenzen ’s strong-growing yet precise drive manner made him a fan favorite .
He was the first driver to bring home the bacon $ 100,000 in a individual season , and his success help oneself solidify NASCAR ’s place in American sports refinement . Lorenzen ’s impingement was brief but significant , and he remain one of the most revered figures from NASCAR ’s early era .
18. Rusty Wallace
Rusty Wallace was known for his torrid competitive spirit and aggressive drive , which led to 55 career victories and the 1989 Cup Series backing .
Wallace was a overlord on poor tracks , where his talent for navigate plastered corners and heavy traffic made him a dominant force play . His contention with Dale Earnhardt in the nineties was one of the fiercest in the play , and his influence extend beyond his driving vocation , as he became a successful squad possessor and spreader .
19. Curtis Turner
Curtis Turner was NASCAR ’s original wild humans , both on and off the cart track . Known as one of the good driver of his epoch , Turner claimed 17 career triumph and was a master on dirt tracks . His unfearing driving mode clear him the nickname “ papa ” and helped work up NASCAR ’s early popularity .
Off the track , Turner was just as colorful , with a intemperately - party lifestyle that became legendary . Though his career was sometimes marred by disceptation , Turner ’s heavy - than - life personality and tender natural endowment made him a NASCAR legend .
20. Joe Weatherly
Joe Weatherly , known as the " Clown Prince of Racing " for his playful prank , was anything but a jest on the track . He won back - to - back Cup Series title in 1962 and 1963 , collect 25 career victories .
Weatherly was known for his versatility , excelling on both short track and route course . His easy - going personality made him pop with fans and boyfriend drivers alike , but his life was tragically cut short in a crash in 1964 .
21. Terry Labonte
Terry Labonte ’s nickname , " The Iceman , " says it all : He was cool under pressure and known for his tranquil , methodical driving dash . A two - time Cup Series fighter ( 1984 and 1996 ) , Labonte amassed 22 career victories in a calling that spanned over three decades .
Labonte was n’t always flashy , but he was a model of consistence and professionalism . His longevity in the sport and power to adapt to dissimilar era made him one of NASCAR ’s most well-thought-of contender .
22. Mark Martin
Mark Martin may be known as the greatest number one wood to never win a Cup Series patronage , but his 40 vocation victories and five runner - up culture in the standings speak volumes about his gift and consistency .
Martin was a master of fitness and preparation , helping to set a new standard for drivers in terms of survival and genial toughness . fuck for his sportsmanship , Martin was respect by his peers and loved by fans for his never - quit attitude , proving that you do n’t involve a statute title to be a title-holder .
23. Jeff Gordon
The " Rainbow Warrior " joined NASCAR in the 1990s , and in 1995 , Jeff Gordon became theyoungest driverin the modernistic epoch to win a Cup Series claim when he was just 24 years quondam . He went on to deliver the goods three more Cup Series championships ( 1997 , 1998 , 2001 ) andthree Daytona 500 cups . He also was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2019 .
In his 23 yr of full - time Cup Series competition , Gordon won 93 races , which puts him at No . 3 on the all - time win list behind only NASCAR Hall of Fame drivers Richard Petty ( 200 ) and David Pearson ( 105 ) in all - clip victory .
24. Wendell Scott
Wendell Scott made history as the first Black gadget driver to advance a NASCAR Cup Series backwash . His lone victory in 1963 at Jacksonville came in the look of immense adversity , as Scott combat not only his competitors but also the racial prejudices of the time .
Despite lack the resource of big teams , Scott ’s gift and determination clear him respect in the racing cosmos . His floor remains one of perseverance and triumph , and his bequest continues to inspire future generations of drivers .
25. Buddy Baker
recognize for his loom pinnacle and bold driving style , Buddy Baker was one of NASCAR ’s top superspeedway racer . He became the first driver to break the 200 - mph barrier on a closed grade and claimed 19 vocation victory , including the 1980 Daytona 500 .
Baker ’s nickname , " Gentle Giant , " ponder his off - track demeanor , but on the track , he was all business sector . After retiring , Baker became a beloved spreader , sharing his wealthiness of hie knowledge and southerly good luck charm with fans across the country .
26. Cotton Owens
Cotton Owens was a lord both behind the wheel and under the hood . He gain nine race as a driver , but his great success come as a railroad car proprietor and auto-mechanic , help David Pearson win the 1966 Cup Series championship .
Owens ' proficient expertness and eye for talent made him one of the most respected figures in the sport . His contributions to NASCAR ’s growth during its other years , especially in the Southeast , helped shape the sport into what it is today .
27. Bobby Isaac
Bobby Isaac ’s driving career was defined by pep pill . He claim 37 career victories and won the 1970 Cup Series patronage , but it was his record - breaking run at Bonneville Salt Flats , where he set a land - velocity phonograph recording in a NASCAR stock car , that cement his bequest .
Known for his hushed , acute focus , Isaac was one of the toughest competitors of his earned run average . His power to bear on both himself and his car to the terminus ad quem made him a standout in NASCAR history .
14 Renowned IndyCar Drivers
1. Mario Andretti
Mario Andrettiis an Italian American slipstream car legend who transcended motorsport . A family name all over the universe , Andretti is one of only two machine driver to win races in Formula One , Indy Car , World Sportscar Championship and NASCAR . He also make headway race in midget cars and sprint auto .
During his renowned life history , Andretti wonthe 1978 Formula One World Championship and four Indy Car titles . To date , he remains the only number one wood ever to win the Indianapolis 500 , the Daytona 500 and the Formula One World Championship , and the only driver to have won a backwash in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series , Formula One and an Indianapolis 500 .
Andretti remains the last American to have win a Formula One race triumph — back in 1978 at the Dutch Grand Prix . He also is one of only three equipment driver to win race on route course of action , paved oval and dirt path in one season , a feat that he accomplished four dissimilar times .
2. A.J. Foyt
know as " Super Tex " to champion and foes , A.J. Foyt is one of thebest American slipstream railway car driversof all prison term — distinguished by the fact that he raced in several different genres of motorsport , include Automobile Club Champ cars and dwarf cars .
Foyt also raced bloodline cars in NASCAR , and hold the United States Auto Club ( USAC ) career deliver the goods record with 159 victories , and the American patronage racing vocation wins record with 67 first place trophy .
Foyt also is the only gadget driver to win the Indianapolis 500 ( which he won four time ) , theDaytona 500 , the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 hour of Le Mans . Foyt also acquire the International Race of Champions all - whiz racing serial in 1976 and 1977 .
This incredible ladder was despite Foyt having had three serious crashes during his career that left him with womb-to-tomb injury .
3. Rick Mears
Rick Mears was the master of the Indianapolis 500 , winning the race four times , a feat only a choice few have achieved .
Known for his liquid , calculated driving style , Mears was a true tactician on ovals , especially at the Brickyard . He also claimed three IndyCar championships , solidifying his status as one of the sport ’s all - time greats .
Mears was never cheap , but his preciseness and patience pay off in the form of ordered victories and a lasting bequest . He rest a symbol of calm excellence in the high - pressure world of IndyCar racing .
4. Al Unser Sr.
Al Unser Sr . was as cool as they come , with four Indy 500 triumph and three IndyCar championships under his belt . Known for his power to stay calm under insistency , Unser was a passe-partout of survival , capable to make his car last the aloofness in grueling races .
His 1987 Indy 500 profits , at the age of 47 , made him the oldest succeeder in the subspecies ’s history , further cementing his status as one of the sport ’s legends . Unser ’s smooth , efficient style made him one of the most logical number one wood to ever contend in IndyCar .
5. Scott Dixon
Scott Dixon has been the nerve of advanced IndyCar authority . With six championships to his name , Dixon ’s ability to win across multiple generations of the athletics has made him a force to be reckon with .
know for his adaptability , Dixon excels on both road courses and ovals , make him one of the most various drivers in IndyCar account .
His serene behavior and stern chase of excellence have helped him continue competitive for over two decades , and his 2008 Indy 500 winnings solidify his place among the all - metre great .
6. Dario Franchitti
Dario Franchitti ’s calling was marked by splendour , with four IndyCar backup and three Indy 500 victories . Known for his tactical racecraft , Franchitti had the power to read a race like no other , often make the right moves at the right time .
His smooth , accurate driving expressive style made him a favorite on road course of study , while his mental toughness saw him fly high in the in high spirits - bet world of the Indy 500 . Franchitti ’s combination of intelligence and swiftness earned him a permanent situation in IndyCar ’s elite .
7. Al Unser Jr.
" Little Al " Unser Jr. had cock-a-hoop shoes to fill , and he did so with style , bring home the bacon the Indy 500 doubly and capturing two CART championship . Known for his uncontaminating , coherent driving and his ability to thrive under pressure , Unser Jr. was a fan favourite throughout the 1990s .
His memorable duels , including his razor - thin triumph in the 1992 Indy 500 , made him a key frame in one of IndyCar ’s most competitive ERA . Unser Jr. carried the family name with pridefulness , cement his bequest as one of the sportsman ’s greats .
8. Bobby Unser
Bobby Unser was one of the most strong-growing and exciting drivers in IndyCar chronicle , with three Indy 500 victories and two USAC / IndyCar patronage to his name . Known for his furious competitiveness and daring overtakes , Bobby could push his railway car to the sheer limitation .
His contention with other top drivers in the 1970s , include his brother Al , only added to the excitement of the epoch . Bobby Unser ’s ability to perform under pressure and his stern pursuit of victory made him one of the sportsman ’s most colorful characters .
9. Emerson Fittipaldi
Emerson Fittipaldi bring his Formula One humanity champion pedigree to IndyCar and quickly made a name for himself , gain two Indy 500s and the 1989 CART championship .
Known for his cool , compute approach to racing , Fittipaldi ’s power to transition from Formula One to the scratchy - and - tumble world of IndyCar was nothing short of noteworthy . His boisterous determination and adaptability made him a prevailing figure in the serial , and his influence helped bridge over the crack between international and American open - rack racing .
10. Helio Castroneves
Few drivers can electrify a crowd like Helio Castroneves . know for his charismatic personality and famous fence - climb celebration , Castroneves is a four - time Indy 500 success — one of only a smattering of driver to extend to that milestone .
His natural talent on ovals , combined with his cheerful conduct , made him a buff favorite throughout his career . Castroneves ' consistency , particularly at Indianapolis , earned him a place among IndyCar ’s elite , and his Energy Department both on and off the track help shape the modern era of the sport .
11. Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan ’s relentless determination and underdog spirit made him one of the most dear figures in IndyCar story . With an Indy 500 victory in 2013 and a title in 2004 , Kanaan ’s calling was establish on grit and resilience .
His eubstance over well-nigh two decade , paired with his never - quit attitude , earn him the esteem of devotee and competitors likewise . Known for his close - quarter racing and fearless overtakes , Kanaan ’s story is one of pertinacity and philia , making him a on-key fan favorite .
12. Will Power
Will Power is one of the best when it comes to road and street courses , and his expert expertise and qualifying prowess have helped him secure two IndyCar championship and the 2018 Indy 500 .
Power ’s intensity on the cartroad , coupled with his precise driving vogue , has made him a prevalent military unit in the innovative IndyCar era . Whether it ’s a pole position or a race win , Power ’s power to extract maximal public presentation from his gondola is second to none , realize him a spot among the series ' all - prison term greats .
13. Johnny Rutherford
Johnny Rutherford , aka " Lonestar JR , " was a master of the Indy 500 , acquire the race three times during his illustrious career . Rutherford ’s fluent , steady driving manner allowed him to excel on oval , and his calm demeanor under insistency made him a front-runner in the high - stakes environment of the Brickyard .
With two USAC championships to his name as well , Rutherford was a consistent front - contrabandist throughout the 1970s and 1980s , solidify his status as one of IndyCar ’s true legends .
14. Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick relegate barrier in motorsport , becoming one of the most recognized figures in both IndyCar and NASCAR . In 2008 , she made chronicle as the first woman to win an IndyCar backwash with her triumph at the Japan 300 , showcasing her skill and decision in a male person - dominated sport .
Known for her rough competitiveness and marketability , Patrick did n’t just vie ; she bring in unexampled fans to racing and enliven countless women to act on their passion . Though she never exact an IndyCar championship , her impact on motorsport finish and her function as a groundbreaker will be remembered for age to get .
17 Famous Formula One Drivers
1. Michael Schumacher
German driverMichael Schumacherwas a seven - fourth dimension Formula One World Champion . He ’s considered one of the in force Formula One drivers in history , and the most successful of the modern era . He was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year doubly , and holds many Formula One record , including most championship , race victories , fast lap , terminal positions and most races won in a undivided season .
In 2002 , Schumacher became the only driver in Formula One history to finish in the top three in every race of a season , and he discontinue the disc for most sequent podium finishes .
In December 2013 , Schumacher had a serioushead injury while skiing , despite wear down a helmet . The family has been very private about the accident , which left him with severe brain injuries , though it ’s clear it end his driving career for good .
2. Lewis Hamilton
Few drivers have had as profound an impact on Formula One as Lewis Hamilton . tie Michael Schumacher with seven world championships , Hamilton became the fount of modern Formula One with his record - break performances .
Known for his remarkable eubstance , Hamilton ’s ability to happen spare speed when it mattered most aid him rack up 100 + pole positions and 100 + slipstream wins .
Off the racetrack , he ’s a trailblazer for diversity and societal alteration , using his political platform to promote comprehension . With an unrivaled premix of talent , determination and influence , Hamilton ’s legacy is still growing .
3. Ayrton Senna
Brazilian raceway car legendAyrton Sennada Silva win three Formula One mankind championships before he give way on the track while chair the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix . During his career , Senna was one of the most rife and successful Formula One drivers of the modern geological era .
Senna made his Formula One entry in 1984 , and pull ahead six Grand Prix races in his first three time of year as a equipment driver . In 1988 , he gain all but one of the 16 Grand Prix and fulfill his first World Championship . He won his 2nd and third backup in 1990 and 1991 .
His rivalry with Alain Prost during the period dominated global motorsports . From 1989 until 2006 , Senna hold the record for most pole position .
4. Nigel Mansell
A caption in his home country England , Nigel Mansellwon both the Formula One World Championship in 1992 and the CART Indy Car World Series in 1993 . He was the reigning Formula One champion when he moved to CART , becoming the first person to acquire the CART deed in his debut season , and make him the only person to maintain both titles simultaneously .
Mansell ’s life history in Formula One racing lasted 15 seasons , with his final two full seasons spent in the CART series . Mansell is 7th overall on the Formula One raceway winners number and , until 2011 , hold the record for the most number of pole set in a individual season .
In 2005 , Mansell total out of retirement to hasten in the Grand Prix Masters series , and he succeed the championship . He was inducted to the International Motorsport Hall of Fame later that twelvemonth .
5. Alain Prost
Alain Prost is the most renowned Gallic raceway railroad car driver of all time and afour - sentence Formula One Champion . And between 1987 and 2001 , he carry the record formost Grand Prix victoriesin account , 51 .
Prost also enjoyed several classic rivalries with other number one wood during the 1980s and 1990s , notably with Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell . In 1986 , during the last subspecies of the season , Prost beat Mansell for the Formula One backing .
An instinctive number one wood , Prost was know for his smooth , relaxed flair behind the steering wheel . dub " The Professor " for his intellectual approach to racing , in 1999 Prost received the World Sports Awards of the Century in the motorsport category .
6. Juan Manuel Fangio
Juan Manuel Fangio was Formula One ’s original adept . With five world championships in the 1950s — a record that stood for nearly 50 year — Fangio was a passkey of diplomacy and raceway scheme . He did n’t just come through ; he dominate , securing title with four unlike team , a feat still unrivalled .
Fangio ’s suave driving expressive style and ability to coax maximum carrying into action out of early , unreliable machines made him unassailable in his era . His win percentage is still the high in Formula One account , cementing his status as one of the all - time great .
7. Niki Lauda
Niki Lauda ’s vocation was one of triumph over adversity . A three - time earth fighter , Lauda was cognise for his technological noesis and accurate driving dash .
But it was his marvelous rejoinder after a outrageous clang at the Nürburgring in 1976 , where he stick out severe burn , that define his legacy . Just six week later , he was back in the cockpit , compete for the form of address .
His rivalry with James Hunt , pad in the film " Rush , " was fabled . Lauda ’s nerveless , forecast coming made him one of the most respected driver in the sport ’s history .
8. Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel burst onto the scene with his four straight earth championship from 2010 to 2013 , guide Red Bull Racing to dominance . recognise for his unforgiving pursual of perfection and an weird ability to put together flawless race weekend , Vettel ’s methodical access compensate off in spades .
His mastery of limiting and backwash strategy made him a formidable opposition , and while his later year with Ferrari did n’t yield more titles , his bequest as one of Formula One ’s brightest ace is unafraid .
9. Jackie Stewart
Jackie Stewart was n’t just a three - meter globe champion . He was a pioneer for driver safety .
have it away for his quiet and uniform driving style , Stewart dominated in the later ' LX and early ' 70s , but he was also a relentless advocate for meliorate the dangerous condition of the sportswoman . Stewart ’s campaigns for better safe standards relieve countless lives and fundamentally change Formula One .
On the track , he was a maestro of wet - weather drive and had an ability to read slipstream like no other , making him a truthful legend both as a number one wood and a crusader .
10. Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso is one of the most complete driver in Formula One history . A two - metre world fighter , Alonso ’s aggressive driving way , unmatched racecraft , and ability to outperform his car have pull in him a reputation as a stern rival .
Whether combat for championships or scrapping for point in a less competitive car , Alonso ’s never - say - die attitude has made him a fan favorite . His power to adjust to different era of Formula One , along with his longevity , has kept him in the conversation as one of the fun ’s true greats .
11. Jim Clark
Jim Clark was one of the most naturally gifted drivers to ever grace Formula One . With two mankind patronage , Clark dominated in the 1960s with an unrivaled blend of speed and preciseness .
Known for his smooth driving way , Clark could advance in any car and under any conditions . His versatility extended beyond Formula One , as he gain in everything from IndyCars to tour car .
Tragically , Clark ’s life was abridge short in a crash in 1968 , but his incredible talent and quiet demeanor extend to make him a revered chassis in motorsport .
12. Stirling Moss
Often hailed as the greatest driver never to come through a Earth championship , Stirling Moss was a racing icon in the 1950s . With 16 Grand Prix triumph and an unbelievable versatility across all forms of motorsport , Moss do the standard for what it mean to be a professional number one wood .
His sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct on and off the track pull in him widespread respect . Even without a title to his name , Moss ’s wallop on Formula One and motorsport as a whole is undeniable .
13. Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen may still be in the other stages of his career , but he ’s already carved out a position among the great . With back - to - back championship in 2021 and 2022 , Verstappen ’s aggressive , no - holds - barricade driving style has electrify fans . His power to pull off daring overtakes and perform under pressure has made him a standout in the New earned run average of Formula One .
At just 25 , Verstappen ’s hereafter looks incredibly lustrous , and he ’s already established himself as one of the most exciting drivers on the power system .
14. Kimi Räikkönen
Known as " The Iceman " for his cool , tranquil demeanor , Kimi Räikkönen ’s 2007 world championship capped a life history occupy with senior high school and lows . A lover deary for his no - trumpery attitude and blistering speed , Räikkönen ’s longevity in the summercater is remarkable .
With 21 profits , including iconic triumph at Spa and Monaco , Räikkönen was a unremitting threat on any generate day . His ironic good sense of humor and refusal to wreak the media game only endeared him more to fans around the earth .
15. Mika Häkkinen
Mika Häkkinen ’s contention with Michael Schumacher in the late nineties defined an era of Formula One . With two world championships in 1998 and 1999 , Häkkinen was known for his lightning - quick reflexes and fearless passing . His composure and composed drive style under press made him one of the tough competitors of his multiplication .
Häkkinen ’s skill , combined with his still confidence , earned him widespread respect from his peers , and his battles with Schumacher are still talked about today .
16. Nelson Piquet
Nelson Piquet was one of the most calculating and technically good drivers in Formula One history . With three world championship in the eighties , Piquet get the hang the art of getting the most out of his machinery .
screw for his technical feedback and power to work closely with engineers , Piquet ’s tending to detail set up him apart . While his brash personality sometimes caused tilt , his results on the track were undeniable , and his contributions to the ontogeny of modern Formula One railroad car were meaning .
17. Alberto Ascari
Alberto Ascari dominate Formula One in the early fifties , come through back - to - back world championships in 1952 and 1953 . Known for his placid driving style and unbelievable consistency , Ascari was virtually unbeatable at his peak , gouge up wash wins at a staggering rate . He was Italy ’s first Formula One humankind wizard and remains one of the most successful Italian drivers of all time .
Ascari ’s premature death in 1955 cut short what could have been an even greater career , but his spot among Formula One ’s legends is firm secured .
11 Enduring Rally Racers
1. Sébastien Loeb
Sébastien Loeb is the unquestioned top executive of rally racing . With nine consecutive World Rally Championship titles from 2004 to 2012 , his dominance in the summercater is unpaired .
Loeb ’s smooth , direct driving fashion made him about unbeatable , whether on crushed rock , tarmac , snow or dirt . His ability to adapt to different terrains , combined with razor - sharp focus and consistence , set up him aside from his peers .
Even beyond his WRC career , Loeb has proven his versatility in everything from rallycross to circuit racing . Quite simply , Loeb did n’t just vie in taunt ; he redefined what it think of to be the best .
2. Ken Block
If you only succeed NASCAR or Formula One , this name might not be familiar , butKen Block ’s driving accomplishment are fabled .
Block was the first American to drive in theFIA World Rally Championship , founded both DC Shoes and Hoonigan lifestyle brands , and star in legion viral YouTube stunt driving videos , bonk asKen Block ’s Gymkhana . In other words , Block ’s talent took him on a different itinerary than the residual of the number one wood you ’ll see on this lean .
But his ability to control a car at its limits won him fans and accolades around the world . Block diedin January 2023 at age 55 in a snowmobile fortuity , but his contributions to the motor sports community will never be forgotten .
3. Sébastien Ogier
Sébastien Ogier carved his name into rallying story with eight World Rally Championship title , making him one of the greatest to ever take the roulette wheel . sleep together for his relentless consistence , Ogier ’s ability to balance hostility with precision allow him to expand in the most ambitious condition .
Whether he was chasing down rivals or protecting a confidential information , Ogier had an uncanny bent for controlling races . His intense focal point and adaptability on all surface made him a complete driver , and his success across dissimilar team and eras only cements his legendary status .
4. Juha Kankkunen
A four - clock time World Rally Champion , Juha Kankkunen ’s calmness under pressure and ability to succeed across multiple manufacturers make him a rallying ikon . Winning titles with Peugeot , Lancia and Toyota , Kankkunen ’s adaptability was one of his greatest strengths .
Whether on the glacial road of Sweden or the dusty trail of Africa , Kankkunen always knew how to find the correct equaliser between speed and control . His smooth , efficient drive style and technical understanding of rally cars helped him stay private-enterprise for more than a decade , earning him a well - deserved place among the sport ’s all - time greats .
5. Tommi Mäkinen
Tommi Mäkinen ’s belligerent , two-dimensional - out driving style help him claim four back-to-back World Rally Championship title from 1996 to 1999 , gain him one of the most prevailing drivers of his era . Mäkinen was a master on gravel , peculiarly with Mitsubishi , where he built his legacy as one of the toughest competitor in the summercater .
His relentless hurrying and fearless approach made him a crowd favorite , and his power to agitate cars to their limits often led to thrilling and dramatic finishes . Mäkinen did n’t just make headway ; he did it in a room that kept fans on the edge of their seats .
6. Colin McRae
Few drivers catch the vision of exchange fans quite like Colin McRae . The 1995 World Rally Champion was known for his fearless , all - or - nothing drive vogue that often produce spectacular results — or equally salient crashes .
McRae ’s motto of " If in doubt , flat out " summed up his approach perfectly . While he only secure one backup , his aggressive , high - risk , high-pitched - reward tactic made him one of the most dear name in the sport .
Whether winning or crash out in dramatic style , McRae always surrender excitement , pull in him a endure legacy in exchange story .
7. Carlos Sainz Sr.
Known as " El Matador , " Carlos Sainz Sr . was a two - time World Rally Champion and one of the most consistent performers in the sport ’s history . With 26 WRC victories and a career that sweep over two decades , Sainz ’s technical glare and methodical approach made him a constant threat on any surface .
His aid to detail and ability to educate cars alongside technologist lay him asunder from many of his peer . Sainz ’s resilience and inscription helped him stay competitive well into his forty , earning him far-flung deference as one of the all - time greats in rallying .
8. Walter Röhrl
Walter Röhrl was a two - clip World Rally Champion , but his influence on the sport prolong far beyond his title .
Known for his incredible precision and power to master a variety of surface , Röhrl ’s succeeder with both rear - wheel and four - wheel driving force cars made him one of the most various driver in mass meeting history . His profits at the Monte Carlo Rally , particularly his command of tarmac , are fabled .
Röhrl was n’t just a fast driver . He was a thought driver who could outsmart his competition with a deep savvy of racecraft and car dynamic .
9. Marcus Grönholm
Marcus Grönholm convey raw speed and aggression to the WRC , bring home the bacon two world championship in 2000 and 2002 . Grönholm ’s intrepid driving style , particularly on crushed rock , made him one of the most exciting drivers to watch .
With 30 WRC victory , Grönholm ’s power to push the limits often lead to dominant performances , but he was also know for his charismatic personality and down - to - land feeler .
Grönholm ’s success with Peugeot solidified his place among rallying ’s elite , and his thrilling duel with drivers like Sébastien Loeb are still remembered as some of the sport ’s most intense conflict .
10. Hannu Mikkola
The 1983 World Rally Champion , Hannu Mikkola was a initiate figure in rallying , specially during the former age of Audi ’s iconic Quattro . Mikkola ’s domination of the rotatory four - wheel drive organisation helped him win rallies across the world , from snowy Scandinavian stages to grueling African desert route .
With a career sweep three decades , Mikkola ’s experience and adaptability made him one of the most well-thought-of driver in the sport . His share to the development of rally technology and his telling seniority ensured his place as a rally legend .
11. Ari Vatanen
Ari Vatanen ’s 1981 World Rally Championship title and his fearless approach to drive made him one of the most beloved figures in rallying . Vatanen ’s sheer braveness and ability to take on even the most challenging stages with confidence earned him a report as one of the sport ’s large risk - taker .
After surviving a near - fatal wreck in 1985 , Vatanen ’s remarkable replication solidify his station in rallying folklore . His victories , including multiple triumphs in the grueling Dakar Rally , showcased his survival and resilience , making Vatanen a true exchange hero .
We updated this clause in colligation with AI engineering , then made certain it was fact - checked and edit out by a HowStuffWorks editor .
