Legendary Driver Rivalries in Formula 1
When it comes to the best F1 rivalries, there are numerous ways to approach them. Of course, the term rivalry often indicates discontent with another person or entity. While that can be true of Formula 1 rivalries, there are also ones among friends showcasing their talent in a friendly competition.
Either way, we can agree that the biggest F1 rivalries have only enhanced the sport and provided a “camp” for fans to be in and who to cheer for, for better or worse. This has also allowed for F1 betting apps to capitalize as fans want to see their favorite driver’s succeed.
To use wrestling terms, the greatest F1 rivalries are arguably when there’s a “babyface” (a good guy) and a heel (the bad guy), and you’re waiting for the good guy to get his comeuppance over the bad guy.
We’ll explore all of those angles in more as we discuss famous F1 rivalries throught the lifespan of the sport.
- 5. James Hunt vs Niki Lauda
- 4. Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg
- 3. Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen
- 2. Michael Schumacher vs Mika Hakkinen
- 1. Alain Prost vs Ayrton Senna
- Legendary Driver Rivalries in Formula 1 Wrap Up
Kicking it off at No. 5 are James Hunt and Niki Lauda.
Let’s dive in.
5. James Hunt vs Niki Lauda
Coming in at No. 5 on the list of the best F1 rivalries was a short-term run between two friends, James Hunt and Niki Lauda, from 1975-1977. Together, these men combined for four world titles and 35 total F1 wins.
As far as Formula 1 rivalries go, this was the best among friends. These two racers came up through the junior ranks together.
They also had something else going for them that the biggest F1 rivalries cannot say: they lived together for a brief time before their world title race in 1976.
During the 1975 Dutch GP, Hunt scored his first world championship GP over Lauda.
Then, in 1976, Lauda won four races. As for Hunt, he was excluded for a brief time, but won in Spain, won the Brish GP but lost it later, and then the two came to ahad in Germany.
Lauda had a brutal crash that resulted in his car bursting into flames, bouncing back on the track, and hit yet again.
Entering the final race, the Japanese Grand Prix, Hunt was behind Lauda by three points. Hunt won the race and won the 1976 title. Then, in 1977 won a world title.
4. Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg
Hamilton and Rosberg’s time as competitors goes back to their younger days with karting. To many, Lewis Hamilton is the best F1 driver in history, so it’s only fitting he’s on this list twice for the most famous F1 rivalries.
In 2013, Hamilton got the best of Rosberg. Rosberg was far more experienced, but Hamilton was simply better, especially in rainy conditions.
Hamilton then won in 2014.
And again in 2015.
This only intensified one of the biggest F1 rivalries ever.
Rosberg finally got his comeuppance in 2016, beating out Hamilton after some poor starts to the season. In terms of points, from 2013-2016, Hamilton finished with 1,334 and Rosberg had 1,195.
After winning his 2016 title, Rosberg announced his retirement, going out on top.
It was the end of one of the best F1 rivalries ever in the modern era.
3. Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen
We just spoke about Hamilton, and now, he’s appearing here yet again. This time, one of the greatest F1 rivalries ever, and it’s still ongoing between him and Max Verstappen. This came on the heels of Rosberg’s retirement, starting in 2017.
The rivalry began with Verstappen really just looking to get his feet wet in the sport while Hamilton cruised to wins.
What also makes this one of the best F1 rivalries is it extends beyond the racers and now there’s one between Mercedes and Red Bull themselves, especially following the 2021 campaign.
The title was to be decided in Abu Dhabi. Nicholas Latifi crashed, and a safety car came on the track, which slowed everything down. During this, Verstappen went to get new tires. It was then decided that the lapped cars wouldn’t overtake that safety vehicle.
Thus, this put Verstappen right behind Hamilton with new tires.
Verstappen won his first-ever championship.
Since then, Verstappen has also won the 2022 and 2023 world titles and will likely win it again in 2024.
2. Michael Schumacher vs Mika Hakkinen
Schumacher was a decorated champion with seven under his belt, but his rivalry with Mika Hakkinen only stepped up his game.
These two had heated battles before F1, including at the 1990 Macau Grand Prix Formula Three. Schumacher came away with that win.
Later, in 1998, the two were pretty much tied atop the standings heading into Suzuka. Schumacher had issues with a stall, and Hakkinen won the title.
A year later, Schumacher had more bad luck, breaking his leg. He missed six races. When he came back he took pole position in Malaysia, but the damage had been done. He missed too much to overcome the deficit and Hakkinen won the title.
It all turned around in 2000, though. Schumacher would dominate for many years, and Hakkinen retired from the sport in 2001.
Hakkinen had his moment in the sun, but Schumacher, after car problems and a broken leg, ultimately reigned supreme following Hakkinen’s exit.
1. Alain Prost vs Ayrton Senna
One of the best F1 rivalries ever lasted nearly a decade, between Prost and Senna in the mid-80s and early 90s.
Not only is it one of the greatest F1 rivalries ever, but it’s also one of the most famous F1 rivalries, littered with controversy.
In 1985, Prost won the world title, but Senna won the first-ever world championship Grand Prix.
The two teamed up with McLaren in 1988 and while Prost who had already won two titles to this point welcomed him, he would soon realize that Senna was going to be a problem.
The tension began at the 19888 Portuguese GP, and Senna won the title at Suzuka.
In 1989, the tensions became more public. Prost accused Senna of reneging on a non-overtaking agreement.
Prost accused Hona of giving Senna preferential engine treatment, and he left for Ferrari.
Before that, though, at the 1989 Japanese GP, contact between their vehicles forced Prost out. Senna managed to get repairs and win, but he re-joined the circuit in a way that ultimately disqualified him.
Prost was then crowned the world champion.
In 1993, Prost came back with Williams-Renault after getting ousted by Ferrari and won his fourth world title.
Together, these two won seven titles and 92 total wins.
As far as Formula 1 rivalries go, this is considered the best of the best F1 rivalries ever.
Legendary Driver Rivalries in Formula 1 Wrap Up
When deciding on a list of best F1 rivalries, there’s a lot to consider and numerous angles it can take. For us, when devising this list of Formula 1 rivalries, we tried to consider all angles from heated battles like Prost and Senna and friends like Hunt and Lauda.
Nowadays, there’s really not much a rivalry. Hamilton and Verstappen are ongoing, but Verstappen is emerging as, arguably, the greatest driver ever.