Famous French F1 Drivers

Pierre Gasly is a French racing driver known for his success in various motorsport championships. He made his Formula One debut with Toro Rosso in 2017 before moving to Red Bull Racing in 2019. Gasly achieved his first podium at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix and secured his maiden victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix with AlphaTauri. He continued to showcase his skill with podium finishes, including a third-place at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Gasly later joined Alpine in 2023, adding to his impressive career with a podium finish at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix.

Romain Grosjean is a French and Swiss professional racing driver who has competed in various racing series, including Formula One and the NTT IndyCar Series. He achieved notable success in junior categories before making his Formula One debut in 2009. Grosjean secured multiple podium finishes during his time in Formula One, driving for teams like Lotus and Haas. His career highlights include winning championships in GP2 Series and Auto GP, as well as transitioning to the NTT IndyCar Series in 2020 where he continues to showcase his talent.

Esteban Ocon is a French racing driver in Formula One for Alpine. He began his career with Manor Racing in 2016 before moving to Force India/Racing Point in 2017. Ocon joined Renault in 2020, securing his first podium and victory in 2020 and 2021 respectively. In 2022, he achieved his best finish in the drivers' standings with Alpine. Ocon scored his third podium in Monaco in the following year. He will join Haas F1 Team in 2025 after leaving Alpine.

Alain Prost is a French retired racing driver and Formula One team owner known for his four Formula One World Drivers' Championships. He began his career in karting at 15, later winning the French and European Formula Three championships. Prost joined McLaren in 1980, achieving his first F1 victory in 1981 with Renault. He had fierce rivalries with drivers like Ayrton Senna, winning his final championship with Williams in 1993. Prost later owned Prost Grand Prix and excelled in the Andros Trophy ice racing championship.

Francois Cevert was a talented French racing driver who competed in the Formula One World Championship. Over the course of his career, he participated in 48 World Championship Grands Prix, achieving notable success with one victory, 13 podium finishes, and a total of 89 career points. Cevert's skill and determination on the race track earned him respect and admiration within the motorsport community, solidifying his legacy as a skilled and accomplished driver in the world of Formula One.

Pierre Levegh was a French sportsman and racing driver known for his participation in the 1955 Le Mans disaster, where he tragically lost his life along with 83 spectators. He adopted the racing name in honor of his late uncle, a pioneering driver. Levegh's career was marked by his involvement in the 24 Hours of Le Mans automobile race. His legacy remains intertwined with the tragic events of the 1955 race, where safety standards in motorsports were significantly improved in response.

Jean Alesi is a former French professional racing driver known for his career in Formula One from 1989 to 2001. He competed for teams such as Tyrrell, Benetton, Sauber, Prost, Jordan, and Ferrari, winning the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix. Alesi was admired for his skills in wet conditions and his passionate racing style. He also raced in championships like International Formula 3000 and DTM after leaving F1, achieving success with race wins and high championship standings. Alesi has also participated in events like the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans, showcasing his versatility in motorsport.

Jean-Éric Vergne is an accomplished French racing driver with an impressive career in motorsports. He has competed in various prestigious championships such as Formula E and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Notably, he secured the Formula E Championship in the 2017–18 season and made history by winning consecutive championships in the 2018–19 season. With experience in Formula One and other racing series, Vergne has showcased his talent and determination on the track, establishing himself as a skilled and respected driver in the motorsport world.

Olivier Panis is a French former racing driver who competed in Formula One for ten seasons. He achieved his first and only Grand Prix victory at the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix while driving for the Ligier team. Panis was known for his skill and tenacity on the racetrack, earning respect from his peers and fans alike. Throughout his career, he showcased his talent and determination, leaving a lasting impact on the world of motorsport.

Yvan Muller is a highly accomplished French auto racing driver known for his success in touring car racing. He has achieved remarkable feats in his career, being a four-time World Touring Car Champion. Muller secured the championship title in 2008 with SEAT, in 2010 and 2011 with Chevrolet, and in 2013 with RML. Additionally, he was crowned the British Touring Car Champion in 2003 with Vauxhall. Muller's consistent dominance and skill have solidified his reputation as one of the top talents in touring car racing.

Jacques-Henri Laffite is a French former racing driver known for his successful career in Formula One from 1974 to 1986. He secured six Grand Prix victories exclusively with the Ligier team. Following his retirement from racing, Laffite transitioned into a broadcasting role as a presenter for TF1, where he remained from 1997 to 2012. Throughout his professional life, Laffite demonstrated skill and dedication both on the racetrack and in front of the camera, leaving a lasting impact on the motorsport and television industries.

Bertrand Gachot is a Belgian-French former racing driver who achieved success in junior formulae, winning titles in Formula Ford before progressing through Formula 3 and Formula 3000 to reach Formula One in 1989. He won the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans before facing legal troubles due to an aggravated assault, resulting in a brief prison sentence. His absence from racing allowed Michael Schumacher to make his Grand Prix debut. Gachot's career was marked by both racing achievements and off-track challenges.

Érik Comas is a former French Formula One driver who achieved success in various racing categories before making his debut in Formula One in 1991. He won the French Formula 3 championship in 1988 and the Formula 3000 championship in 1990. Comas participated in 63 Grands Prix during his career, scoring a total of 7 championship points. He secured his final point for the Larrousse team in the 1994 German Grand Prix, marking the end of his competitive Formula One career.

Patrick Depailler was a talented French racing driver who competed in 95 Formula One Grands Prix, achieving 19 podium finishes and 141 championship points. He began his Formula One career with Tyrrell before moving to Ligier and later Alfa Romeo. Known for his skill and determination, Depailler tragically lost his life in a crash during a testing session at Hockenheim in 1980. His legacy includes two race wins, one pole position, and a joint record for the most podium finishes before winning a Grand Prix.

Maurice Trintignant was a prominent motor racing driver from France, known for his extensive career in the Formula One World Championship spanning from 1950 to 1964. He also excelled in sports car racing, achieving victory at the 1954 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Following his retirement from racing, Trintignant transitioned to focus on the wine trade. His long and successful tenure in the racing world solidified his reputation as a skilled and respected driver in both Formula One and sports car competitions.