Sebastian Vettel has bowed out of Formula 1 as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The German clocked up four world titles, and at one point held records for most podium finishes in a season, most wins in a season, most pole positions in a season, most laps led in a season, most consecutive wins, most consecutive grand slams and most wins from pole position in a season.
He also took Lewis Hamilton’s record as the youngest ever winner of the world championship.
Vettel did not enjoy the same success after 2014, however, as a number of rule changes did not suit him or his Red Bull, going from nine straight wins at the end of the 2013 season to not securing a single victory until 2015, by which time he'd moved to Ferrari.
He will, however, be remembered as a great champion and someone who drove up the standards of the sport.
In a list, compiled by autosport.com’s Tom Jefferies, the 10 greatest F1 drivers of all time have been ranked, according to stats, and Vettel sits proudly in third place amongst some of the biggest names the sport has ever seen.
Who are the greatest F1 drivers of all time?
=10. Jim Clark
From 1962 until 1965, Jim Clark was arguably only beaten when he encountered mechanical issues, and at the time of his death in 1968 – tragically during an F2 race at Hockenheim – he held the record for the most race wins.
=10. Niki Lauda
Niki Lauda won three world titles, bounced back from a life-threatening crash and was almost as well known for his business sense off the track as his achievements on it.
9. Jackie Stewart
Jackie Stewart was a great talent, winning three world titles. This gave him the credibility to campaign for better safety standards for drivers, and partly due to this, safety is of paramount importance in F1 today.
8. Nigel Mansell
Nigel Mansell was classed as one of Formula 1’s ‘unlucky’ drivers. His career was dogged by reliability issues and his entire 1988 season consisted of two second-place finishes, two races missed due to chicken pox and 12 retirements. A three-time runner-up in the championship, missing out on the title by only two points in 1986, he finally secured the title in 1992.
7. Fernando Alonso
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 27: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Alpine F1 attends the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 27, 2022 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Fernando Alonso is a two-time world champion with a reputation as a fearless, aggressive racer. Despite bad luck at critical times, the Spaniard has still taken 32 wins, 22 pole positions and 23 fastest laps.
6. Max Verstappen
Current champion Max Verstappen is sixth on the list. After a closely fought title race last season, the Red Bull star has won at a canter this time round. It remains to see how many more wins the Dutchman can rack up.
5. Ayrton Senna
One of motorsport's most legendary figures, Ayrton Senna remains the benchmark for raw talent and charisma. His combination of speed and determination shot him to the top. His three titles gave an indication of what could have been had he not tragically passed away at Imola in 1994.
4. Alain Prost
Remembered for his superb attention to detail, exceptional precision in his movements and his battles with Ayrton Senna, Prost became France’s first world champion in 1985 and stayed at the top of his game until retirement.
3. Sebastian Vettel
NOIDA, INDIA - OCTOBER 27: Race winner and 2013 Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium following the Indian Formula One Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit on October 27, 2013 in Noida, India. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
While his form in Formula 1 isn’t what it once was, there was a time when Sebastian Vettel was virtually unbeatable. His F1 career started in 2007 and took nine podiums and five wins in his first three seasons. He then proceeded to rewrite the record books, becoming the youngest world champion and dominating the sport until 2014. The German was still regarded as one of the best drivers on the circuit until his retirement.
2. Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher’s name always springs to mind when talking about the greatest F1 drivers. His levels of dominance looked unlikely to be matched until Hamilton emerged. He had an uncompromising competitive attitude, and on his way to seven titles, reeled off five in consecutive years. Schumacher’s mentality, dedication, passion and sheer talent changed the sport, raising the bar massively. While he won two titles with Benetton, he is better known for his time with Ferrari, who he joined in 1996. After a few up and down years, they hit a winning formula in 2000 and rewrote the record books over the next five years. His second stint in F1 wasn’t as successful as his first, yielding a single podium to add to his collection. However, his 91 wins, 155 podiums and 68 pole positions still put him high up on any stats based list.
1. Lewis Hamilton
In terms of career wins and total career points, Hamilton is the best Formula 1 driver to have graced a circuit. The Briton has shown he can win in a variety of locations and conditions, claiming wins in 30 different countries, and until this season, had won a race in every season he’s competed in. He is currently level with Michael Schumacher on seven titles, having narrowly missed out on taking an eighth in 2021 when he was edged out by Verstappen. Hamilton holds many of Formula 1’s records and, with a contract that runs to the end of 2023, he has the potential to extend many of them. While he missed becoming champion in his first season by a single point, he became the (then) youngest world champion the following year. 14 years later he’s secured six more titles, and is looking for an eighth.
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - NOVEMBER 29: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Obviously on a list such as this longevity is rewarded. Clark’s 25 wins came from only 72 races, however, the number of wins, in many cases, is reflected in the number of titles, which means the top drivers were able to be consistent over seasons and produce when it mattered.
It will be interesting to see how many wins those on the list still competing can add to their totals.
For Sebastian Vettel, however, those days are in the past.
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