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Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Ranked: The greatest British F1 drivers of all time
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Formula One world championship. In that time, British drivers have recorded the most grand prix wins and claimed the most world championships. The first round of that inaugural season was the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. With that race repeated at the same circuit today, I decided to rank the greatest British F1 drivers of all time. For my qualification criteria, a British driver had to have won a minimum of four world championship grands prix – or be a world champion. Mike Hawthorn is considered (three wins, one title), but Peter Collins (three wins, no title) is not. To rank the 17 drivers who did qualify, I considered four factors: total victories, total championships, percentage of pole positions and percentage of victories. 10. Tony Brooks (1956-1961) Brooks sneaks into the top 10 ahead of David Coulthard, largely because of an impressive win percentage. There are 54 other drivers with at least six grand prix victories to their name but only 13 have a better win rate than Brooks, who raced in 38 grands prix over six years. Sir Stirling Moss called him 'the greatest unknown racing driver'. That seems fair. Three of his wins came on high-speed circuits: Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and the Nurburgring – all far more fearsome than they are today. Brooks is one of only two non-champions to make it into the top 10. The closest he came to a title was in 1959 when he finished second to Jack Brabham. How much more could he have achieved had he not retired at 29? Grand Prix starts: 38 Victories: 6 Win percentage: 15.79% Pole positions: 3 9. Jenson Button (2000-2017) Button's lengthy and successful career had several stages. He struggled to fulfil his early promise in a series of uncompetitive cars but had a breakthrough year in 2004 with Honda. That brought him 10 podiums and a finish of third, second only to the two dominant Ferraris. A first grand prix win came with Honda in 2006 and then his Hollywood 2009 title for Brawn, after Honda's departure from the sport. Just how good was he? On his day, exceptionally fast. He acquitted himself very well against Lewis Hamilton in three seasons at McLaren together, but lacked the ability to drag an unfancied car up the order. Exceptionally smooth and exceptional in the wet. Grand Prix starts: 306 Victories: 15 Championships: 2009 Win percentage: 2.6% Pole positions: 8 8. James Hunt (1973-1979) In some ways, Hunt's reputation for crashing (and his off-track lifestyle) colour the perception of the man who died aged just 45. Behind that was an exceptionally fast driver whose achievements have been perhaps underrated. Yes, his 1976 title was made far more likely by rival Niki Lauda's horrific crash and absence from the Austrian and German rounds. That should not count against Hunt, who won the title in horrific conditions in Japan, a race where Lauda pulled into the pits with the title on the line, so bad were the conditions. Proportionally, a slightly better career than Button. His 10 victories from 92 starts is a good return but his 14 pole positions in the same time period is more impressive. It puts him just below Alain Prost, Charles Leclerc and Mika Hakkinen for career pole percentage. Grand Prix starts: 92 Victories: 10 Championships: 1976 Win percentage: 10.87% Pole positions: 14 7. Graham Hill (1958-1975) Of all the multiple British champions, Hill is ranked lowest and lower than a couple of single champions, too. The longevity of his career – for 14 years he held the record as the most experienced F1 driver – is worth plenty, but it means he suffers a little in this ranking compared to other Britons with successful but shorter careers. Still, it was a tremendous career that lasted 180 races. The golden period was from 1962 to 1968 when he took his two titles and finished second three times to two other British greats – Jim Clark (twice) and John Surtees. Five wins at Monaco is no small thing, either. He struggled to achieve any significant results after a crash at the 1969 United States Grand Prix. He is still the only driver to have achieved motorsport's Triple Crown of victory in the Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the F1 world drivers' title. Grand Prix starts: 175 Victories: 14 Championships: 1962, 1968 Win percentage: 8% Pole positions: 13 6. Sir Stirling Moss (1951-1961) The highest-ranked non-champion in our list. That is no surprise, given he is surely the finest F1 driver never to have won the world drivers' title. A total of 16 wins (still a record for a non-champion) and 16 pole positions from 68 grands prix is a remarkable achievement, especially when you consider his direct rivals. In the four times he finished second (1955-1958), Juan Manuel Fangio won three times, with Mike Hawthorn pipping Moss by a single point in the other. As well as his many achievements in F1, Moss competed in and won plenty in other categories. A considerate driver as well as a fast one. Grand Prix starts: 66 Victories: 16 Win percentage: 24.24% Pole positions: 16 5. Damon Hill (1992-1999) Damon Hill's F1 career was short but burned brightly after he arrived in F1 at 31. After a debut year for an uncompetitive Brabham's final season in 1992, Hill found himself in a Williams race seat in 1993 alongside Alain Prost. The Frenchman won the championship that year with seven victories to his name, but Hill acquitted himself well with three victories of his own (all consecutive) and third place in the standings. It was in the following three years at Williams that he took the vast majority of his wins and took his only title in 1996. With modern racing rules he would and should have won the 1994 championship after Michael Schumacher crashed into him. Whilst he was not in Schumacher's bracket (who is?), the fact that he took on the German – and sometimes succeeded – works strongly in his favour. The 1993 Japanese Grand Prix win in torrential conditions is one any driver would be ecstatic with. His win percentage of 19.13 is bettered only by Hamilton, Stewart, Clark and Moss in this list – 20 career poles is not bad, either. There were occasional glimpses of brilliance in his final three years in F1. The 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix is arguably the greatest grand prix win that never was (a heartbreaking late failure that cost Arrows a first win), and in Belgium the following season he took a memorable debut win for Jordan. Grand Prix starts: 115 Victories: 22 Championships: 1996 Win percentage: 19.13% Pole positions: 20 4. Nigel Mansell (1980-1995) Dedicated. Committed. Courageous. The highest-ranked single champion in the list and with good reason – his 31 victories over 15 years and 187 race starts. Mansell was perhaps unlucky in that his seasons in a competitive car coincided with the rise of McLaren, Senna and Prost. A crash ruling him out of the final two rounds of the 1987 season, when he lost to Williams team-mate Nelson Piquet, did not help either. In his time at Ferrari, Mansell was nicknamed Il Leone (the Lion) for his ability to get the absolute most from the car, often heroically. He excelled on home soil, winning the British Grand Prix four times (only Clark, Prost and Hamilton have more) as well as the 1985 European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. After a couple of near-misses, Mansell finally took the title he deserved in 1992 in the dominant Williams FW14B. He won eight of the first 10 rounds, took 14 pole positions and had the title sewn up by the middle of August. Not only an F1 champion, either, having won the IndyCar title in 1993. A return to F1 in 1994 and 1995 fell flat (though he did win the 1994 Australian Grand Prix for Williams), but that should not darken a fantastic career. Grand Prix starts: 187 Victories: 31 Championships: 1992 Win percentage: 16.58% Pole positions: 32 3. Sir Jackie Stewart (1965-1973) Jackie Stewart's golden period came in a remarkable six years from 1968 until his final season in 1973. That included three championships, two second-place finishes and 25 of his total of 27 grands prix wins. Those 27 victories remained a record for 14 years until Prost took that mantle in 1987. Probably the finest of his titles was his 1971 championship (his second) for Tyrrell, where he won six of 11 races and scored nearly double the points of his closest rival, Ronnie Peterson. Mind you, 1969 was not bad either (six wins) nor taking the title in 1973 in a car that did not win the constructors' championship, a season in which his team-mate François Cevert was killed in practice for the season-ending United States GP. Looking at the win percentage of British drivers, it is only Lewis Hamilton and Jim Clark who beat him. Of course, Stewart's achievements go far beyond his statistical prowess, becoming a champion for increased safety in the sport, having seen so many of his competitors and friends die in competition. Grand Prix starts: 99 Victories: 27 Championships: 1969, 1971, 1973 Win percentage: 27.27% Pole positions: 17 2. Jim Clark (1960-1968) It is impossible to know just how much more Jim Clark could have won had he not died in a Formula Two crash at Hockenheim in 1968. His astonishing win percentage of 34.72 has not been beaten by anyone – British or otherwise – since and his pole percentage of 45.83 is bettered only by Juan Manuel Fangio. His record of 33 poles stood for 22 years until Ayrton Senna beat it in 1989. Despite competing only in 72 grands prix he still holds the records for the most grand slams (pole, win, fastest lap) in F1, with eight. His two titles for Colin Chapman's Lotus were superb: six wins from nine in 1965 (including six from his first six starts) and seven from 10 in 1963. Statistically one of the greatest of all time, but also one of the greatest stylistically, too. He was as smooth as it comes. Grand Prix starts: 72 Victories: 25 Championships: 1963, 1965 Win percentage: 34.72% Pole positions: 33 1. Sir Lewis Hamilton (2007-present) Looking at talent alone, it is impossible to compare Hamilton to his closest rivals in this list like Clark and Stewart. What is not up for debate is the longevity of Hamilton's success and his statistical superiority. Some may argue that the scale of Hamilton's successes were built on the dominant cars of the early turbo-hybrid era, that in reality he had only to beat his team-mate. That does a strong disservice to how difficult it is to perform as consistently as he did for as long as he did. Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel, his title rivals from 2014-2018, were no slouches. Seven titles – a record he shares with Michael Schumacher – could be more. Were it not for an engine failure in Malaysia in 2016 and a questionable decision by FIA race director Michael Masi in 2021 it would have been nine world championships. Hamilton's career also has the hallmark of all greats – being able to haul an under-performing car to the front row or the top of the podium.
Telegraph
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Oscar Piastri interview: the world champion hopeful schooled in England
Haileybury school in Hertfordshire has produced some notable alumni over the years. Clement Attlee, the post-war Labour prime minister, attended the co-educational independent school. Poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling and playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn are Old Haileyburians. Film-maker Christopher Nolan and actor Stephen Mangan were also on the school's books. In the world of Formula One, Haileybury can lay claim to one of the greatest: Sir Stirling Moss. The British icon, widely regarded as one of the finest motor racing drivers of all time, won more than 200 races in a variety of categories across a 14-year competition career. Famously, though, Moss never actually won the Formula One world title, finishing runner-up on four occasions. Oscar Piastri is hoping to make up for that omission on the school's CV this year. 'That's the plan,' says the Australian. 'It's going OK so far. I feel like I've taken a step forward this year. I feel ready.' Heading into this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, it is intriguingly poised. Piastri, with five wins under his belt in 11 races, leads the championship by 15 points from his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris. By rights Norris should really be favourite for the title. The Briton is the more experienced driver and has been at McLaren for longer than Piastri. But Piastri is the odds-on favourite with the bookies. That he is so unbothered by that fact is the reason he is so heavily fancied. Piastri just seems to be bullet-proof. Ice cold. Where Norris has blown hot and cold this season, making numerous mistakes in qualifying and shunting into the back of Piastri in Canada, the Australian has been rock solid, his race-craft impeccable. Norris may still have him for outright pace, but Piastri is getting quicker and has definitely been the more consistent driver. 'I feel comfortable in the position I'm in,' he says when asked what it's like leading the Formula One world championship for the first time, as a 24-year-old. 'The way I look at it, if you're leading a championship, you're probably doing something right. And I feel like we have been doing quite a few things right. My ultimate performance has probably improved a bit this year, but I feel like I'm able to access it much more consistently so far. That's probably been the biggest thing.' Piastri was always a quick learner. He recalls growing up in Melbourne, always wanting to be first at everything. 'Even in my schoolwork,' he says. 'I wanted to do it better than anyone, and also do it faster than anyone, which kind of makes no sense. I would do it as fast as I could, but it kind of came at the cost of some accuracy. I soon learnt it's better to be accurate because otherwise you spend 15 minutes sitting there doing nothing, and it's not very useful for you when you get your score back.' There is actually rather an awkward postscript to the Stirling Moss-Haileybury connection. Moss later confessed to being unhappy at the school; bullied for reasons of his presumed Jewish origins. Piastri, though, says the school was the making of him. Moving 10,000 miles from Melbourne to the UK as a 15-year-old forced him to grow up. He spent four years as a boarder in Kipling House – England rugby player Nick Isiekwe was in the same house, although a few years older – and says it was a period in which he 'really developed'. Growing up in Melbourne he had always been sports-mad. AFL, cricket, athletics, basketball. Motor racing allowed little time for any of those, but he still turned out for the school's 3rd XI. Piastri's teachers remember a diligent and conscientious student who juggled his extracurricular activities with his academic work with great maturity. 'Oscar never demonstrated anything other than exemplary humility and remarkable composure throughout his four years at Haileybury,' recalled one teacher, Andy Searson, adding that Piastri was 'capable of bowling a heavy ball with an intimidating run-up'. The picture that emerges is one of a very grounded young man. Piastri met his girlfriend, Lily, at school when they were just 17, before they had even taken their A-levels (maths, physics and computer science, in Piastri's case, if you were wondering). They are still together six years later. 'Having that stability is nice,' he says of their relationship. 'Lily has been there from the start, from single-seaters to Formula One. A constant in what is quite a manic world.' Piastri is so nice, so calm, so well-prepared – 'the kind of schoolboy who had his pencils sharpened in front of him on his desk' as Damon Hill remarked on the Chequered Flag podcast earlier this year – it is easy to forget what a killer he is in the car. He appears bemused by the openness and vulnerability Norris displays on a weekly basis, even while praising it. 'Lando is a very open person,' he says of his team-mate. 'Speaking honestly, sometimes to his own detriment. But at the same time, it is a good quality to have. We are different people, but I do respect the way he goes about it.' As for whether he is less minded to smash his team-mate given how scrupulously fair Norris is, how lacking in sharp elbows, he just laughs. 'Not really,' he says. 'My opinion is you can't give an inch to anyone, regardless of who it is – in racing or in sport. And that doesn't really change. Especially once the helmet goes on. I get on with Lando. But once the helmet goes on, for all 20 of us, there are no more friends.' In this area, one senses the hand of Mark Webber, Piastri's compatriot who has been guiding his career from the start. Webber always had to fight his corner at Red Bull, forever battling for equal treatment in a team built around Red Bull wunderkind Sebastian Vettel. Piastri does not have that issue at McLaren. Webber has made sure of it. 'I think in terms of fighting my corner, it's been very, very valuable for me,' Piastri says of Webber's influence. 'Not that he has had to fight particularly hard in this environment. But just the experiences he had in his own career, being in a championship-winning team, fighting for a championship, there is a lot of hindsight which is very valuable for me. 'Some lessons you can only learn for yourself. But I definitely feel as if I've escaped a lot of [negative] lessons because of Mark's experience. Helping me avoid potential pitfalls. He thinks of questions either to ask me, or my engineers, or the team, before they occur to me. I feel like in the first couple of years of my career that was incredibly valuable and fast-tracked me to where I am now.' One thing is certain, if Norris is to prevail this season, it is not going to be handed to him. Piastri may have grown up on the playing fields of one of England's top public schools, but he remains an Australian through and through. He is teak tough and like all Australian sportsmen, appears imbued with self-confidence. Before he goes, I ask him for his predictions for the upcoming British & Irish Lions Test series. 'I don't actually follow the rugby that closely,' he says. 'Where I grew up, AFL was king.' What about the Ashes this winter? 'Oh, that's a different matter,' he says, smiling. 'Hopefully, I'll get to a game. Australia are going through a bit of a tricky spell at the moment. But on home soil? I'd always back Australia.' On British soil this weekend, one suspects he will back himself just the same.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes and adidas unveil heritage-inspired fanwear collection for British GP
This article is in partnership with adidas. Mercedes fans hoping for some silverware at the British Grand Prix can now celebrate the team's heritage thanks to a new collection from its clothing partner, adidas. Advertisement Taking inspiration from the iconic Mercedes-Benz W196 driven by Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss, the new apparel collection features grey and silver tones to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the team's world championship win in 1955. The Silver Arrows pack is a fanwear collection designed to bring a bold, eye-catching look to the team's home race. It came about after adidas designers looked back through the team's archive to pay homage to its rich heritage in grand prix racing. adidas Mercedes Motorsport Fan wear adidas Mercedes Motorsport Fan wear The car's iconic silver colour comes to life across key pieces in the collection, with silver chalice detailing including the adidas logo appearing on the hoodie, fleece, sweatshirt, t-shirt and cap. Advertisement The hoodie is also lined with the same tartan pattern that featured on the seating of the 1955 racer, further celebrating the iconic W196 and its standing as a racer that was ahead of its time. The collection is now live and available to buy at as well as in selected adidas retailers worldwide. Michael Batz, motorsport category GM at adidas, said: 'Silverstone is an iconic circuit on the calendar, which has seen some of the sport's most thrilling races - making it the perfect stage to launch a collection inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz W196. adidas Mercedes Motorsport Fan wear adidas Mercedes Motorsport Fan wear 'Our aim ahead of the home race is to honour the legacy of a team that has thrived at the highest level of motorsport and to give fans a way to celebrate that legacy too.' Advertisement Richard Sanders, chief commercial officer at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, added: 'Our fans understand the significance that Silverstone has to us as a team, as do adidas. It's our home and a race that has brought us many priceless moments throughout our history in Formula 1. "So, to have a collection for Silverstone, and one that pays tribute to an integral part of our history, is truly exciting, and we can't wait to see fans showing their support wearing the collection during the race weekend.' adidas Mercedes Motorsport Fan wear adidas Mercedes Motorsport Fan wear To read more articles visit our website.
