The top 50 F1 drivers of all time.

[herr_oberst]

A new set of metrics determines a top 50 list that doesn't include a handful of World driving champions. It also places some non race winners very high in the list.

This is sure to be controversial, but I for one think it has a lot of merit!

The Top 50 F1 drivers of all time, regardless of what they were driving

[rusnak]

That would probably support Alonso's statement that he can beat anyone on the track today with the same machinery. I have to say that he's gotten my respect in the past few years.

[IROC]

I would have liked to have seen Fangio drive, evidently. My favorite F1 driver of all time was Prost, so it was nice to see him near the top.

[Amail]

Originally Posted by rusnak

That would probably support Alonso's statement that he can beat anyone on the track today with the same machinery. I have to say that he's gotten my respect in the past few years.

I kind of feel the same way, yet Hamilton spanked him in similar machinery in '07.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by Amail

I kind of feel the same way, yet Hamilton spanked him in similar machinery in '07.

I'm not so sure about that.

[oldE]

As good as Fangio was, It is interesting to note when Stirling Moss was his number 2 at Maserati, Stirling would catch up to Fangio and then drive so close some observers dubbed the two cars "the eight wheeled machine" or the train. He would not pass unless Fangio had a failure, as he was the number two driver (and in awe of Fangio), but was certainly as good on those days.

I also thought it was interesting the article postulated the modern machines were a greater factor in success, but then went to put many modern drivers in the top 50. Seemed to be a bit of a contradiction.

Best
Les

[billh1963]

I have read multiple times that F1 drivers have always ranked Fangio number 1 and Jim Clark number 2. Best driver is more than wins

[CurtEgerer]

Gilles Villeneuve not in the Top 50?! I guess that proves the uselessness of computer models

[Amail]

Originally Posted by rusnak

I'm not so sure about that.

Yes, they tied on points at the end of the year but HAM was classified 2nd, ALO 3rd. Also, look at the standings throughout the year - ALO was ahead of HAM for the first two races, then never surpassed, only tied on points. Bear in mind, this was a rookie against a 2X WDC in his 7th year.

Maybe with the passing of another 9 years since then (how time flies!) they have both changed and Alonso is now the better driver. He sure seems more mature, consistent, and for me the easiest to root for. But in '07 it was clear to me who had the upper hand in equal machinery.

[rusnak]

I like the line chart, and I certainly understand your point.

But that's not a spankin'. Well, not like the one Ham is getting from Barbie in 2016.

[URY914]

I don't seemed to have made the list...again.