The answer to that much-debated question – according to the University of Sheffield in the UK – is none other than the one they call El Chueco, Argentina’s Juan Manuel Fangio.
Fangio was awarded the top spot after the criteria in the study removed the major effect of obviously having the best manufacturer and therefore, according to their statistical models, the list represents who the best driver was and not necessarily who has the best car [akin to AutoSportsNation’s weekly F1 driver rankings]. Fangio, who passed away 21 years ago, was a five-time world champion during his active period from 1950-58 [and also came in second twice during that time period].
Rounding out the “podium” of all-time best F1 drivers is Alain Prost in second and Fernando Alonso in third – Alonso and Sebastian Vettel are the only two current drivers listed in the top 10. Defending champion Lewis Hamilton is ranked 11th while current F1 leader Nico Rosberg is ranked 13th. Pastor Maldonado did not make the list.
The Top All-Time Best Formula 1 Drivers
1] Juan Manuel Fangio
2] Alain Prost
3] Fernando Alonso
4] Jim Clark
5] Ayrton Senna
6] Jackie Stewart
7] Nelson Piquet
8] Emerson Fittipaldi
9] Michael Schumacher
10] Sebastian Vettel