Top 5 German Formula 1 Drivers: The Schumacher Brothers and Others

By: Olena

Posted: April 18, 2024

Updated: April 18, 2024

German drivers have claimed 175 victories in F1 history
Who have succeeded the most on the racetrack?

German drivers have claimed an impressive tally of 175 victories and secured 12 championship titles throughout Formula 1 history. Yet, amidst this remarkable track record, the question is: who are the top 5 German Formula 1 drivers of all time? Learn about the best French F1 drivers as well.

Michael Schumacher is the GOAT

Speaking about the top 5 German Formula 1 drivers or best racers in history, Michael Schumacher is probably the first to come to mind. He is a retired German racing driver renowned for his career in Formula 1 with teams like Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Schumacher shares the record of seven World Drivers’ Championship titles with Lewis Hamilton. He held multiple records upon his retirement in 2012, including most wins (91), pole positions (68), and podium finishes (155), though some have since been surpassed by Hamilton, who is predicted to beat Michael by F1 wins at online sportsbooks in Germany. Despite this, he still holds the records for consecutive Drivers’ Championships and total fastest laps (77). Coming from a working-class background, Schumacher began racing in karting, winning his first championship at six, using a kart assembled from spare parts. His karting success led to other racing series victories before his debut in Formula 1 with Jordan at the Belgian Grand Prix. He later joined Benetton, winning consecutive titles in 1994 and 1995. Moving to Ferrari in 1996, Schumacher faced challenges but eventually secured five successive titles from 2000 to 2004, setting new benchmarks in the sport. Despite a brief retirement, he returned with Mercedes before retiring again in 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22cpU46G-eo&pp=ygUSTWljaGFlbCBTY2h1bWFjaGVy Schumacher was known for his exceptional fitness, pushing his car to the limit during races, and his leadership qualities that rallied teams. He and his brother Ralf achieved unique milestones in Formula 1, including being the first siblings to finish first and second in a race. Outside racing, Schumacher engaged in humanitarian work and charitable donations. In 2013, he suffered a severe brain injury in a skiing accident, undergoing extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Sebastian Vettel is one of the top 5 German Formula 1 drivers

Vettel is a German racing driver known for his career in F1, spanning from 2007 to 2022, during which he raced for BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. Vettel’s F1 journey marks him as one of the sport’s most accomplished drivers, securing four World Drivers’ Championship titles consecutively from 2010 to 2013 with Red Bull. Notably, he holds the record for the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history. He boasts impressive statistics, including the fourth-most race victories (53), third-most podium finishes (122), and fourth-most pole positions (57). Vettel’s Formula 1 debut began as a test driver for BMW Sauber in 2006, followed by a one-time racing appearance in 2007. Joining Toro Rosso later that year as part of the Red Bull Junior Team, he quickly ascended to a full-time driver role in 2008, securing a victory in the Italian Grand Prix and becoming the youngest race winner ever at that time. His move to Red Bull in 2009 marked the start of a remarkable era, where he clinched four consecutive titles from 2010 to 2013, earning the distinction of being the youngest World Champion in the sport. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1bVRu-k9sI&pp=ygUQU2ViYXN0aWFuIFZldHRlbA%3D%3D Transitioning to Ferrari in 2015, Vettel replaced Fernando Alonso and emerged as a challenger to Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, engaging in intense title battles in 2017 and 2018, ultimately finishing as the runner-up both years. After parting ways with Ferrari following an abysmal 2020 season, he joined Aston Martin for the 2021 and 2022 seasons before retiring from Formula 1 at the end of 2022. Odds on Vettel are always available at online gambling sites in Germany.

A talented sibling Ralf Schumacher

Ralf Schumacher is famously known as the younger brother of Michael Schumacher, a seven-time F1 World Champion, and they hold the unique distinction of being the only siblings to claim victories in Formula 1 races individually. Schumacher’s journey in motorsport began early, starting karting at the age of three and swiftly moving into automobile racing, competing in the German Formula Three Championship and later in the Formula Nippon series. His F1 career commenced with the Jordan Grand Prix in 1997, followed by a switch to the Williams team in 1999, where he achieved a sixth-place finish in the Drivers’ Championship. His breakthrough came in 2001 when he secured his first Grand Prix win, leading to a fourth-place finish in the Drivers’ Championship that year. Over the next two years, he added five more victories to his name and often became 20Bet Sportsbook’s top driver by the odds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVsZSCg0NmY&pp=ygUPUmFsZiBTY2h1bWFjaGVy In 2005, Schumacher joined Toyota Racing after leaving Williams at the end of 2004. However, his tenure there was marked by internal pressures, leading to his departure from Formula 1 after the 2007 season. Following his Formula 1 career, he ventured into DTM in 2008, experiencing moderate success before retiring from competitive motorsport in 2012. He then transitioned into a managerial role within DTM, focusing on mentoring young drivers. Currently, he serves as a co-commentator for Sky Sport in Germany.

Top 5 German Formula 1 drivers: Jochen Rindt

Despite being a German citizen, Rindt raced under an Austrian license throughout his career. Tragically, in 1970, during practice for the Italian Grand Prix, Rindt lost his life, becoming the only driver to be awarded the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship posthumously. Rindt began his racing journey in 1961, transitioning to single-seaters in 1963 and achieving success in Formula Junior and Formula Two. His F1 debut came in 1964 at the Austrian Grand Prix, followed by a full drive with Cooper in 1965. After a stint with Brabham in 1968, he joined Lotus in 1969, where he found a competitive car, notably the Lotus 72. Despite concerns about the car’s reliability, Rindt won his first Formula 1 race at the 1969 United States Grand Prix and had a stellar 1970 season, winning five races with the Lotus 72. Tragically, during practice for the Italian Grand Prix, Rindt suffered fatal injuries from a crash caused by a brake shaft failure. He was posthumously awarded the World Championship as his competitor couldn’t gather enough points to surpass him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P__TAf16iUU&pp=ygUMSm9jaGVuIFJpbmR0 Rindt’s legacy extended beyond racing; he was a popular figure in Austria, promoting motorsport through television shows like Motorama and exhibitions of racing cars in Vienna. He also advocated for safety improvements in Formula 1 alongside Jackie Stewart.

How not to mention Nico Rosberg?

Nico Rosberg is also one of the top 5 German Formula 1 drivers. He started competitive racing at six and quickly excelled, winning regional and national titles in France. The driver then progressed to European and global competitions. By 16, he transitioned to car racing, clinching the 2002 Formula BMW title after triumphing in nine races. He moved to the Formula 3 Euro Series with Team Rosberg in 2003 and 2004 before securing the inaugural GP2 Series championship in 2005 with ART Grand Prix. By the way, you can bet on all GP races at 20Bet Sportsbook. His F1 career began with Williams from 2006 to 2009, resulting in two podiums. In 2010, he joined Mercedes alongside Michael Schumacher, securing his maiden win at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix. From 2013 to 2016, he partnered with childhood friend Lewis Hamilton, twice finishing as the runner-up before clinching the 2016 championship. He and his father Keke joined the elite ranks of father-son duos to win World Drivers’ Championships, following Graham and Damon Hill.