40 Formula 1 Drivers Ranked by Experts From Mediocre to Best of All

This article appeared in spellrock.com and has been published here with permission.

Formula 1 is full of groundbreaking drivers, all with their own unique set of skills. Each driver in this ranking has left a huge mark on Formula 1 with some impressive records to boast. However, greatness often goes beyond numbers, as is the case with many of these drivers. From the OGs of F1 to young cutting-edge drivers, let’s dive into the top 40 Formula 1 drivers.

#40. Jenson Button

This 2009 World Champion comes with a lot of endurance and skill. Button raced in Formula 1 full-time between 2000 and 2016, racing for the likes of Williams and McLaren. He is currently competing in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship with Hertz Team Jota.

Button was actually named after the Jensen car, as his father was a successful rally car driver. As a kid, he couldn't focus on anything unless he was watching racing on TV. Since this fascination, his father always supported his dream to be an F1 driver - and it came true.

#39. Ronnie Peterson

Peterson demonstrated an insane amount of speed and raw talent throughout his F1 career, being dubbed the 'SuperSwede.' He had a unique driving style and always had the ability to get the most out of any car he drove. Although he never won any World Drivers' Championships, there's no doubt a win was around the corner for him.

Ronnie's tragic and untimely death left a huge hole in F1, marking the end of a career that we're sure would've seen more record-breaking moments. Peterson always brought an incredible amount of spirit to F1 and was undoubtedly a huge inspiration for drivers who came after him.

#38. Nico Rosberg

Rosberg kicked off his Formula 1 career in 2006 at 21 years old. He initially drove for Williams before moving on to Mercedes in 2010. In 2012, Rosberg nabbed his first win at the Chinese Grand Prix. Rosberg's ongoing friendly rivalry with Lewis Hamilton has given us some of the most thrilling races in F1 history.

Interestingly, Rosberg chose to retire just days after he won his first World Drivers' Championship. In his retirement, Rosberg moved into various careers in driver management, commentating, and eco-entrepreneurship. He leaves a legacy of pushing the limits and a pursuit of excellence.

#37. Jacky Ickx

Ickx holds a legacy for demonstrating versatility and resilience, racking up some impressive results. He had six wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, eight Formula 1 victories, and much more. Throughout his career, he raced for the likes of Williams, Ferrari, McLaren, and Matra.

Jacky first entered F1 in 1966 and eventually retired from racing after the 1985 season. Racing certainly runs in the family. Jacky's brother Pascal was also a racing driver, as well as his daughter Vanina Ickx. Jacky plays a huge role in guiding Vanina's career.