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Formula 1: Facts and Figures from the Pinnacle of Motorsport
Formula 1 is regarded as the pinnacle of international motorsport, featuring a rich history and iconic names that have dominated the sport for decades.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-07-23T23:01:00.000Z - 2 min read
Formula 1 is renowned worldwide as the most prestigious form of single-seater motorsport. Since its inception in 1950, the sport has evolved into a global phenomenon, with 2025 marking the 75th world championship as a milestone in its rich existence.
A drivers' world champion has been crowned annually since the very first race, establishing a tradition at the core of the individual battle for ultimate glory. Nine years later, in 1958, the constructors' championship was introduced to reward the performance and innovation of the teams.
The annals of the sport feature many heroes, with Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher standing as the most successful drivers with seven world titles each to their name. Furthermore, Hamilton made history in 2021 by becoming the first and only driver to win one hundred Grands Prix, while Schumacher ended his career in late 2012. Current world champions such as Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are among the prominent rivals on today's grid.
The championship currently features ten active teams, each entering two drivers in the races. Every team bears the responsibility for designing and largely building its race cars. However, certain components, including engines and gearboxes, may be sourced from specialized suppliers.
Within this competitive landscape, the legendary Ferrari has claimed the most constructors' titles, holding a total of sixteen championships. This makes the Italian team not only the record holder, but also the only team to have competed continuously in the world championship since the very first race.
Formula 1 represents the peak of a broader motorsport landscape, in which Formula 2 serves as the primary feeder series for young talent. Relaunched under its current name in 2017 by Liberty Media following the acquisition of GP2, this series has taken various forms over the years. It remains a crucial training ground for drivers aspiring to reach the top.
Outside the F1 pyramid, other championships each bring a unique dimension to motor racing. The IndyCar Series in the United States is renowned for the iconic Indianapolis 500 and its spectacular racing across diverse tracks, ranging from ovals to street and road courses. FIA Formula E, founded in 2014, showcases fully electric single-seaters exclusively on street circuits. Meanwhile, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) stands as the premier series for prototype sports cars, anchored annually by the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.