Formula 1 champions by number of titles: Who has the most F1 world championships?

ByDavid Mitchell

Kimi Antonelli He became the 2026 F1 world champion by sweeping the best car throughout the year and perfectly managing his advantage at this end of the World Championship. The Italian becomes the 36th champion in the history of Formula 1.

Since the founding of Formula 1 World Championship In 1950, only a small group of pilots managed to reach maximum glory. However, the gap between winning a title and becoming an enduring legend is marked by the ability to dominate an era. Led by the records of seven crowns of Michael Schumacher and lewis hamiltonthe list of champions by number of titles reveals not only the best driving talents, but also the golden eras, mechanical masteries and historic battles that have defined the sport. We review, from highest to lowest, the undisputed kings of speed.

Drivers with 7 F1 world championships

Michael Schumacher: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004

Lewis Hamilton: 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020

Schumacher celebrating victory in 1998 @schumacher

Drivers with 5 F1 world championships

Juan Manuel Fangio: 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1957

The Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio
The Argentine Juan Manuel FangioArchive

Drivers with 4 F1 world titles

Alain Prost: 1985, 1986, 1989 and 1993

Sebastian Vettel: 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013

Max Verstappen: 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen celebrating his first world title in 2021Getty Images

Drivers with 3 F1 world titles

Jack Brabham: 1959, 1960 and 1966

Jackie Stewart: 1969, 1971 and 1973

Niki Lauda: 1975, 1977 and 1984

Nelson Piquet: 1981, 1983 and 1987

Ayrton Senna: 1988, 1990 and 1991

Allen Berg, with Ayrton Senna on the British F3 podium in 1983
Allen Berg, with Ayrton Senna on the British F3 podium in 1983Allen Berg

Drivers with 2 F1 world titles

Alberto Ascari: 1952 and 1953

Jim Clark: 1963 and 1965

Graham Hilll: 1962 and 1968

Emerson Fittipaldi: 1972 and 1974

Mika Häkkinen: 1998 and 1999

Fernando Alonso: 2005 and 2006

Fernando Alonso won in Barcelona for the first time in 2006
Fernando Alonso won in Barcelona for the first time in 2006

Drivers with 1 F1 title

Giuseppe Farina: 1950

Mike Hawthorn: 1958

Phil Hill: 1961

John Surtees: 1964

Denny Hulme: 1967

Jochen Rindt: 1970

James Hunt: 1976

Mario Andretti: 1978

Jody Scheckter: 1979

Alan Jones: 1980

Keke Rosberg: 1982

Nigel Mansell: 1992

Damon Hill: 1996

Jacques Villeneuve: 1997

Kimi Raikkonen: 2007

Jenson Button: 2009

Nico Rosberg: 2016

Lando Norris: 2025

Kimi Antonelli: 2026

FILE - Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, celebrates on the podium after winning the Italian Formula One Grand Prix race in Monza, Italy, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, of Italy, celebrates on the podium after winning the Italian Formula One Grand Prix race in MonzaLuca Bruno / Ap-LaPresse

From the myths of seven crowns to the consecration of Kimi Antonelli: Formula 1 has just witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in its history books. With his recent victory and his first world title, the young Italian talent shows that the new generation has not come to ask for permission, but to take over.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.