Which Formula 1 Driver Should You Root For?
With the intense competition and unique personalities in Formula 1, choosing a driver to root for can be a challenge. Whether you're looking for speed, charisma, or sheer talent, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of some of F1’s top drivers to help you decide.
1. Max Verstappen
Pros:
- Two-time World Champion and one of the fastest drivers on the grid.
- Known for his aggressive racing style and ruthless pursuit of victory.
- Immensely popular, with a huge fanbase across the world, especially in the Netherlands.
- Drives for Red Bull Racing, a team with a history of success.
Cons:
- His domination in recent seasons might make things predictable for some fans.
- Can come across as polarizing due to his no-nonsense, sometimes brash, personality.
2. Sergio Perez
Pros:
- Mexico’s pride and a master of tire management, earning the nickname "The Minister of Defense".
- A beloved underdog who’s often tasked with helping Red Bull win constructors’ championships.
- Represents hope for fans rooting for non-European drivers in a Euro-dominated sport.
Cons:
- Often overshadowed by teammate Max Verstappen.
- While a great driver, he’s not always in the running for the top prize.
3. Lewis Hamilton
Pros:
- Seven-time World Champion, tying the legendary Michael Schumacher for most titles.
- Globally recognized for his style, philanthropy, activism, and involvement in music and fashion.
- One of the sport’s most successful and diverse ambassadors.
Cons:
- His long reign at the top has earned him some detractors who prefer underdog stories.
- Recently has had a tough time keeping up with the Red Bull domination.
4. George Russell
Pros:
- Young British talent who finally landed a top team seat at Mercedes.
- Seen as a future world champion with impressive performances against veteran Lewis Hamilton.
- Humble but fierce on the track, gaining respect with each race.
Cons:
- Can sometimes be overshadowed by his teammate, Hamilton.
- Still waiting for his breakthrough win streak to happen.
5. Lando Norris
Pros:
- Charismatic, witty, and a fan favorite, particularly among younger F1 fans.
- A rising talent who has shown flashes of brilliance with McLaren.
- Big presence on social media and in gaming, giving fans lots of off-track content.
Cons:
- Still looking for his first win despite several podiums.
- Sometimes struggles under the pressure of big races.
6. Oscar Piastri
Pros:
- F2 and F3 champion, Piastri has been hyped as one of the most promising rookies in years.
- His calm and composed driving style shows maturity beyond his years.
- Fans love a good rookie story, and he’s definitely one to watch.
Cons:
- Still very new to F1, so we don’t know his full potential yet.
- Might take a while before he becomes a regular frontrunner.
7. Lance Stroll
Pros:
- Canadian driver with flashes of talent, particularly in tricky wet conditions.
- Competes for Aston Martin, a team on the rise.
- Has overcome the “rich kid” stereotype, earning some respect through his performances.
Cons:
- Father owns the team, so there's always the “paid seat” criticism.
- Lacks consistency compared to top drivers.
8. Fernando Alonso
Pros:
- Two-time World Champion and one of the most experienced and cunning drivers on the grid.
- Known for extracting performance out of underwhelming cars.
- Fans love his never-give-up attitude, even at 40+ years old.
Cons:
- His peak years are behind him, so a title win is unlikely.
- Has a history of falling out with teams, which has hurt his career at times.
9. Alex Albon
Pros:
- Likeable, soft-spoken, and an underdog story that many fans root for.
- Impressive drives in the midfield, often outperforming his car.
- A popular driver who’s shown great resilience after a tough start with Red Bull.
Cons:
- May never make it back to a top-tier team.
- While consistent, he rarely challenges for podiums.
10. Logan Sargeant
Pros:
- First American driver in Formula 1 since 2015, bringing excitement for U.S. fans.
- A rookie with potential, driving for Williams, a team with a storied history.
- Represents a new era for American motorsport in F1.
Cons:
- Still very raw and inexperienced.
- Williams has struggled in recent years, so wins are unlikely.
11. Daniel Ricciardo
Pros:
- One of the most charismatic, fun-loving drivers on the grid with a huge fanbase.
- Known for his daring overtakes and mega performances, particularly during his Red Bull years.
- Often referred to as the "people’s champion" due to his humor and charm.
Cons:
- Has struggled to find consistent form in recent years, particularly with McLaren.
- Currently taking a break from F1, so rooting for him might involve some patience.
12. Yuki Tsunoda
Pros:
- One of the youngest and most fiery drivers on the grid.
- Immensely popular in Japan, with a style that’s improving with each race.
- Drives for AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s sister team, offering future potential for a promotion.
Cons:
- Inconsistent performances make it hard to count on him regularly.
- Still needs to mature as a driver.
13. Kevin Magnussen
Pros:
- Hard-nosed, never-give-up attitude, known for fighting till the last lap.
- Recently returned to F1 with Haas after stepping away, which gained him respect.
- Not afraid to mix it up in wheel-to-wheel racing.
Cons:
- Races in a midfield car, so big results are rare.
- Often finds himself in scrappy, tough races, which can lead to incidents.
14. Nico Hulkenberg
Pros:
- F1’s "super sub" and one of the most experienced drivers.
- Known for his strong qualifying performances and reliability.
- Has a loyal fanbase who love his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Cons:
- Still holds the record for most races without a podium finish.
- May never reach the heights of winning races or championships.
15. Charles Leclerc
Pros:
- Ferrari’s golden boy with immense speed and talent.
- Often the only driver capable of challenging Red Bull and Mercedes.
- Hugely popular, especially among Ferrari’s passionate fanbase.
Cons:
- Has struggled with Ferrari’s reliability issues and team strategy mistakes.
- High expectations sometimes lead to disappointment when things go wrong.
16. Carlos Sainz
Pros:
- Ferrari’s smooth operator, known for his intelligence and consistent driving.
- Extremely popular among fans for his humor, personality, and approachable nature.
- Often matches or beats teammate Leclerc, proving his worth.
Cons:
- While consistent, he’s not seen as a World Championship contender yet.
- Ferrari’s reliability issues impact him too.
17. Valtteri Bottas
Pros:
- Quietly brilliant, often delivering strong performances for Alfa Romeo.
- Former Mercedes driver who has helped secure multiple constructors’ titles.
- Very likeable with a calm, humble personality.
Cons:
- No longer in a front-running team, so wins are unlikely.
- Often seen as a support driver, rather than a lead contender.
18. Zhou Guanyu
Pros:
- China’s first full-time F1 driver, representing a massive new market for the sport.
- Shows steady improvement and potential to grow.
- Charismatic and popular in China.
Cons:
- Still not yet performing at the level of F1’s top drivers.
- Drives for Alfa Romeo, a team unlikely to fight at the front of the grid.
19. Pierre Gasly
Pros:
- Won his first F1 race in dramatic fashion at Monza in 2020.
- Known for his resilience and strong comebacks after being demoted from Red Bull.
- A fan favorite, especially among those who root for underdogs.
Cons:
- Can be inconsistent in a midfield car.
- His move to Alpine hasn't yet propelled him to the front of the grid.
20. Esteban Ocon
Pros:
- Tough as nails, Ocon fought hard to get back into F1 after losing his seat.
- His maiden win at the Hungarian GP in 2021 showed he has what it takes.
- A quiet, hardworking driver who has earned the respect of the paddock.
Cons:
- Can fly under the radar