Famous British F1 Drivers

Lewis Hamilton is a British racing driver in Formula One, driving for Mercedes. He holds the records for most wins, pole positions, and podium finishes. Hamilton debuted with McLaren in 2007, becoming the first black driver in the series. He won his first title in 2008 and joined Mercedes in 2013. Hamilton's successes include six further drivers' titles, with notable rivalries against Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel. He is known for his activism, music, fashion, and efforts to promote diversity in motorsport.

Jackie Stewart, the "Flying Scot," was a British Formula One racing driver known for his successful career spanning from 1965 to 1973. He won three World Drivers' Championships and was a two-time runner-up during his nine seasons in Formula One. Stewart also competed in other racing series such as the Indianapolis 500 and Can-Am. After retiring from racing, he became a team principal and a television sports commentator, known for his distinctive Scottish accent. Stewart was a key advocate for safety improvements in motor racing, emphasizing better medical facilities and track enhancements.

James Clark was a British racing driver known for winning two Formula One World Championships in 1963 and 1965. He was a versatile driver, competing in sports cars, touring cars, and the Indianapolis 500. Clark was closely associated with Team Lotus throughout his Formula One career. He tragically lost his life in a Formula Two racing accident in 1968, but at the time of his death, he held multiple records for Grand Prix victories and pole positions, some of which stood until the 21st century.

Jenson Button is a British racing driver known for his successful career in Formula One. He won the 2009 Formula One World Championship with Brawn GP and later competed with McLaren. Button also achieved success in the Super GT Series and NASCAR Cup Series. With 15 wins, 8 pole positions, and 50 podium finishes in his F1 career, he retired in 2016 but made a one-off return in 2017. Button's talent and achievements have solidified his legacy in the world of motorsport.

Nigel Mansell is a British retired racing driver who achieved success in both Formula One and CART Indy Car World Series. He won the Formula One World Championship in 1992 and the CART Indy Car World Series in 1993. Mansell is known for being the first person to win the CART title in his debut season, holding both the World Drivers' Championship and the American open-wheel National Championship simultaneously. He had a successful career spanning 15 seasons in Formula One and continued racing in other series post-retirement, winning the Grand Prix Masters series in 2005 and competing in sports car races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2010.

Damon Hill is a British former professional racing driver and the 1996 Formula One World Champion. He started racing in 1981 and became a test driver for the Formula One title-winning Williams team in 1992. Hill secured 22 victories during his career, with his first win at the 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix. He was a major rival of Michael Schumacher in the mid-1990s, winning the championship in 1996. After retiring in 1999, Hill took on roles such as president of the British Racing Drivers' Club and currently works as part of the Sky Sports F1 broadcasting support team.

Martin Brundle is a British former racing driver renowned for his successful career in Formula One and sportscar racing. He finished as the runner-up in the 1983 British Formula Three Championship behind Ayrton Senna before moving on to Formula One the following year. Brundle achieved significant success, including winning the 1988 World Sportscar Championship with Silk Cut Jaguar and securing victories at prestigious races such as the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1988 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1990 while driving for Jaguar Cars.

Donald Malcolm Campbell was a British speed record breaker who achieved significant success in the 1950s and 1960s. He broke a total of eight absolute world speed records on both water and land during his career. Campbell made history by setting world records in both categories in the same year, a feat that has not been replicated. Tragically, he passed away during a water speed record attempt at Coniston Water in England. Campbell's legacy continues to be remembered for his remarkable accomplishments in the realm of speed records.

Justin Boyd Wilson was a British professional open-wheel racing driver who competed in Formula One in 2003, the Champ Car World Series from 2004 to 2007, and the IndyCar Series from 2008 to 2015. He achieved success in various racing championships, winning the Formula Palmer Audi in 1998, the International Formula 3000 Championship in 2001, and co-winning the 2012 24 Hours of Daytona. Wilson drove for several teams throughout his career, earning victories and high finishes in multiple races and championships. Tragically, he passed away in 2015 due to injuries sustained during an IndyCar race.

Susie Wolff is a Scottish former professional racing driver who transitioned into a successful career as a team executive in motorsport. She began her racing journey in karting and progressed through various series before competing in Formula One with Williams as a development driver. After retiring from racing, she became an analyst for Channel 4's Formula One coverage before joining Venturi Racing in Formula E. She eventually rose to the position of CEO before departing from the team and the series in 2022.

Paul di Resta is a British racing driver known for his career in Formula One, where he competed for Force India from 2011 to 2013 and as a reserve driver for Williams F1 in 2016. He has also been successful in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) and Formula 3 Euro Series. After his Formula One stint, di Resta returned to DTM with Mercedes before becoming a reserve driver for McLaren in 2022. He has also worked as a commentator for Sky Sports' F1 coverage.

Max Chilton is a British racing driver with experience in both Formula One and the IndyCar Series. He competed for Marussia F1 in 2013 and 2014 before transitioning to the IndyCar Series with Carlin Motorsport. Chilton holds the hill climb record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. He announced his retirement from IndyCar in February 2022. Chilton's brother Tom is also a racing driver, currently active in the British Touring Car Championship.

Stirling Moss was a highly accomplished British Formula One driver, known for his exceptional skill and success across various motorsports competitions. Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, he won an impressive 212 out of 529 races he entered. Despite never winning the Formula One World Championship, he is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the sport's history. Over a seven-year period from 1955 to 1961, Moss achieved numerous podium finishes, including four second-place and three third-place results.

James Hunt was a British racing driver who won the Formula One World Championship in 1976. Known for his reckless driving style, he earned the nickname "Hunt the Shunt." Hunt began his career with Hesketh Racing before moving to McLaren, where he secured the World Drivers' Championship in 1976. He then joined the Wolf team in 1979 but retired mid-season due to a series of unsuccessful races. After retiring, he became a media commentator for the BBC until his untimely death.

Johnny Herbert is a British former racing driver and television pundit for Sky Sports F1. He competed in Formula One from 1989 to 2000, driving for seven different teams and achieving three race victories. In 1995, he finished 4th in the World Drivers' Championship. Herbert also had success in sports car racing, notably winning the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours in 1991 while driving a Mazda 787B. Throughout his career, he showcased skill, determination, and versatility across various forms of motorsport.

Peter Collins was a talented British racing driver known for his impressive skills on the track. He began his career at a young age and quickly made a name for himself in Formula 3 races. Collins achieved success by winning the RAC British Grand Prix shortly before his tragic death at the 1958 German Grand Prix. His promising career was cut short, but his legacy lives on in the world of motorsports. Actor Jack O'Connell portrayed Collins in the biographical sports drama film Ferrari, capturing his passion and determination on screen.

Roger Williamson was a talented British racing driver who achieved great success in the world of motorsport. He was a two-time British Formula 3 champion, showcasing his skill and determination on the track. Tragically, his promising career was cut short during his second Formula One race, the 1973 Dutch Grand Prix. Despite his untimely passing, Williamson's legacy lives on as a reminder of the risks and challenges that professional racing drivers face in pursuit of their passion.

Colin Chapman was an innovative English design engineer and founder of Lotus Cars. He revolutionized the automotive industry with his focus on lightweight, finely-handling cars over sheer power. His aeronautical engineering expertise led to significant technical advancements, earning him a reputation for innovative design philosophy. Under his leadership, Team Lotus achieved great success in Formula One, winning multiple Constructors' titles and Drivers' Championships. Chapman's legacy includes the production of cutting-edge, affordable sports cars, ensuring Lotus Cars' continued success despite industry challenges.

Norman Graham Hill OBE was a British racing driver and team owner who achieved great success in Formula One. He won the World Championship twice and was runner-up three times. Hill is the only driver to have won the Triple Crown of Motorsport, including victories in the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Monaco Grand Prix. He also founded his own team, Embassy Hill, and continued racing until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1975.

Tiff Needell is a renowned British racing driver and television presenter with a successful career in the automotive industry. He is widely recognized for his roles as a co-presenter on popular automotive shows such as Top Gear and Fifth Gear. Needell has established himself as a knowledgeable and engaging presenter, providing expert insights and commentary on various automotive subjects. Currently, he continues to share his passion for cars as a presenter on Lovecars, further solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the world of motorsports and television.

Katherine Anne Legge is a British professional auto racing driver known for competing part-time in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and part-time in the IndyCar Series. She drives the No. 51 Honda for Dale Coyne Racing with backing from e.l.f. Legge has achieved notable milestones in her career, including setting the fastest qualifying effort for a woman in Indianapolis 500 history in 2023. Additionally, she was the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in North America in 2005, solidifying her reputation as a talented and trailblazing driver.

David Purley was a British racing driver who competed in 11 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix. He is most famous for his heroic attempt to save fellow driver Roger Williamson from a fiery crash at the 1973 Dutch Grand Prix, earning him the George Medal. Purley also survived a high-G crash during the 1977 British Grand Prix. Despite his courageous actions and remarkable survival, he did not score any championship points during his Formula One career. Purley tragically died in a plane crash in 1985.

Derek Bell MBE is a highly accomplished British racing driver known for his success in sportscar racing and Formula One. He achieved significant victories, including five Le Mans 24-hour wins, three Daytona 24-hour wins, and two World Sportscar Championship titles. Throughout his career, Bell raced for esteemed teams such as Ferrari, Wheatcroft, McLaren, Surtees, and Tecno. He is widely respected among his peers and fans, with fellow racer Hans-Joachim Stuck praising him as one of the most well-liked drivers of his era.

David Coulthard is a British retired racing driver who competed in Formula One for 15 seasons, achieving 13 Grand Prix victories and 62 podium finishes. He began his career in karting before moving to car racing in the British Formula Ford Championship and Formula 3000 series. Coulthard made his Formula One debut with Williams in 1994, later driving for McLaren and Red Bull. After retiring, he continued his involvement in motorsports as a consultant, commentator, and pundit for various media outlets, including the BBC and Channel 4. He also competed in events like the Race of Champions and served as the president of the British Racing Drivers' Club.

Ken Tyrrell was a British Formula Two racing driver and the founder of the Tyrrell Formula One constructor. He had a successful career in motorsports, winning multiple races and championships in Formula Two before transitioning to team ownership. Tyrrell's eponymous Formula One team, founded in the late 1960s, went on to achieve significant success in the sport, winning races and championships. He was known for his dedication to the sport, innovative approach to car design, and nurturing young talent within his team.

Piers Courage was a British racing driver who competed in 29 World Championship Formula One Grands Prix. He made his debut in 1967 and achieved two podium finishes during his career. Courage scored a total of 20 championship points, showcasing his skill and competitiveness on the track. Known for his determination and passion for racing, he left a mark on the Formula One circuit with his impressive performances and contributions to the sport.

Will Stevens is a British racing driver with a diverse career in motorsport. He has competed in various prestigious championships such as Formula One, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, Toyota Racing Series, and British Formula Renault Championships. In Formula One, he made his debut with Caterham F1 and later raced with the Manor Marussia F1 Team. Stevens has also participated in the Blancpain GT Series, FIA World Endurance Championship, Blancpain GT Asia Series, and Audi R8 LMS Cup, achieving success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

John Michael Hawthorn was a British racing driver who made history by becoming the United Kingdom's first Formula One World Champion driver in 1958. He achieved this milestone before retiring due to the tragic loss of his friend and teammate, Peter Collins. Despite having the lowest number of Grand Prix wins among Formula One World Champions, Hawthorn's talent and determination were evident in his three career World Championship Grand Prix victories. He also demonstrated his skill by winning the prestigious 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Derek Warwick is a British former professional racing driver with a successful career in Formula One, achieving four podium finishes. Additionally, he claimed victory in the 1992 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1992 World Sportscar Championship. After retiring from Formula One, Warwick participated in the Grand Prix Masters series for retired F1 drivers. He also served as a steward for several Grands Prix and held the position of president of the British Racing Drivers Club from 2011 to 2017.

Jonathan Palmer is a British businessman and former Formula One racing driver, who trained as a physician before pursuing a career in motor racing. He is currently the majority shareholder and Chief Executive of MotorSport Vision (MSV), overseeing multiple UK motorsport circuits, the PalmerSport corporate driving event, and various racing championships. In his racing career, Palmer competed in Formula One for teams like Tyrrell, Williams, RAM, and Zakspeed, earning 14 Championship points. He also raced a Group C Porsche in sports car events, achieving notable successes such as winning the 1984 1000 km of Brands Hatch. Additionally, Palmer played a role in the development of the McLaren F1 road car and set a new speed record for production cars with it.

Sam Bird is a British professional racing driver currently competing for NEOM McLaren in Formula E. He has achieved notable successes in various racing series, including winning the LMP2 title at the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship. Bird was the runner-up in the 2013 GP2 Series and the LMGTE Pro class at the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship. With 12 wins in Formula E, he has consistently performed well in the series, achieving a season-best result of third place in 2017–18.

Anthony Davidson is a British former racing driver who has transitioned into various roles within the motorsport industry. He currently works as an analyst for Sky Sports F1, part of the commentary team for WEC TV, a colour commentator for the F1 series of video games, and as a simulator and demonstration driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas. Davidson is renowned for his time racing in Formula One with Minardi and Super Aguri, and for his test and reserve driving roles with BAR, Honda, and Brawn GP teams. He achieved the title of 2014 WEC World Champion alongside teammate Sébastien Buemi.

Allan McNish is a highly accomplished British former racing driver, commentator, and journalist from Scotland. He boasts an impressive track record, having clinched victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans three times and the American Le Mans Series thrice. Furthermore, he secured the FIA World Endurance Championship title in 2013. McNish's expertise extends to media, where he served as a co-commentator and pundit for BBC Formula One coverage, and also held the role of team principal for the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler Formula E team.

Mark Blundell is a British racing driver with a successful career spanning Formula One, sports cars, and CART. He achieved victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1992. Following his racing career, Blundell transitioned into television as a Formula One presenter for ITV. He made a comeback to racing in 2019 in the British Touring Car Championship and took on a new role as Sporting Director for MB Motorsport in 2020, while also serving as the CEO of sports management group, MB Partners.

David Wishart Hobbs is a British former racing driver who transitioned into a successful career as a commentator. He began working as a commentator in the mid-1970s for CBS, later moving on to Speed and NBC. Hobbs was recognized for his driving skills in 1969 when he was included in the FIA list of graded drivers. In 2009, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, further solidifying his legacy in the world of motorsports.

Jolyon Palmer is a British motorsport commentator and columnist, known for his coverage of the Formula One World Championship on BBC Sport, Channel 4, and F1TV. Prior to his media career, he was a successful racing driver, winning the GP2 Series championship in 2014. Palmer made his Formula One debut with Renault Sport F1 Team in 2016, scoring his first World Championship points that season. After his racing career, he transitioned into a role as an F1 analyst for BBC and the F1 app, providing detailed analysis on racing incidents.

Colin Davis was a prominent British racing driver known for his victory at the 1964 Targa Florio. His professional life was highlighted by his remarkable skills behind the wheel, particularly in endurance racing events. Davis's talent and dedication propelled him to success in the competitive world of motorsports, earning him recognition and respect among his peers and fans alike. His achievement at the Targa Florio solidified his place in racing history and showcased his ability to excel under pressure on challenging race tracks.

Divina Galica MBE is a prominent British sportswoman known for her achievements in skiing and motorsport. She participated in four Winter Olympics as a skier, leading the British Women's Olympic Ski Team in 1968 and 1972. Galica also made a mark in motorsport by competing in three Formula One World Championship Grands Prix. Her versatile career showcases her dedication and skill across different disciplines, solidifying her legacy as a respected and accomplished athlete in both skiing and racing.

John Marshall Watson is a British former racing driver turned commentator. In his racing career, he competed in Formula One, winning five Grands Prix and achieving a third-place finish in the 1982 championship. He also participated in the World Sportscar Championship, finishing as the runner-up in the 1987 championship. Following his retirement from racing, Watson transitioned into a successful career as a commentator, providing expert analysis and insights for various motorsport events, including Formula One and the GT World Challenge Europe.

David Richards CBE is a prominent figure in the motorsport industry, serving as the chairman of Prodrive and Motorsport UK. His impressive career includes chairmanship at Aston Martin and team principal roles at BAR and Benetton Formula One teams. Richards' leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the success of various motorsport ventures. With a rich background in both executive and managerial positions, he continues to make significant contributions to the world of motorsport through his strategic vision and industry knowledge.

Peter Gethin was a British racing driver who competed in Formula One and other racing series during the 1970s. He participated in 31 World Championship Formula One Grands Prix, achieving his sole victory at the 1971 Italian Grand Prix, which remained the fastest Formula One race for 32 years. Gethin also won non-Championship races like the 1971 World Championship Victory Race and the 1973 Race of Champions. He further excelled in the Canadian-American Challenge Cup series and the Tasman Series, showcasing his versatility and skill as a racer.

John Surtees was a British racing legend who achieved success in both motorcycle road racing and Formula One. He won multiple Grand Prix motorcycle World Championships in the 500cc and 350cc classes before transitioning to Formula One. In 1964, he made history by becoming the Formula One World Champion. Surtees founded the Surtees Racing Organisation team and competed as a constructor in various racing categories. He remains the only person to have won World Championships on both two and four wheels, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of motorsport.

Eric David Thompson was a versatile British professional who excelled in various fields throughout his career. Initially starting as a broker for Lloyd's of London, he ventured into sports car racing in 1948, achieving notable success in events such as Les 24 Heures du Mans and the RAC British Grand Prix. Thompson's racing career included driving for prestigious brands like Aston Martin and competing in Formula Libre and Formula Two races. After retiring from motor racing in 1955, he transitioned to a successful career as a rare books dealer specializing in motorsport literature.

Robin Michael Widdows is a British former racing driver who participated in various motorsport categories including Formula One, Formula Two, Formula Three, and sportscars like Le Mans. He began his career with successes in the Autosport Class C Championship and went on to compete in different teams and vehicles, achieving notable victories such as the Rhine Cup at Hockenheim. Widdows also made a brief appearance in a World Championship Grand Prix. His unique achievement includes competing in both a Formula One race and the Olympic Games in bobsleigh.