Top F1 Race Cars of All Time

Formula One (F1) has changed a lot since its inception. Many innovative designs and models have hit the tarmac in hopes of winning the number one spot. While many designs and cars have been banned from the sport for various reasons, many legendary cars will always be a part of F1 history. These are a few of those legendary cars. In one way or another, all of the vehicles on this list have proven themselves and earned their spots.

 

1984-1986 McLaren MP4/2

The McLaren MP4/2 is one of the most recognizable F1 cars ever, with its white and red Marlboro livery. The MP4/2 won consecutive Drivers’ Championships from 1984 to 1986. Both Niki Lauda and Alain Prost raced the chassis. The most significant advantage the MP4/2 had in its races was that it was one of the only F1 cars using carbon-ceramic brakes.

 

1988 McLaren MP4/4

The 1988 McLaren MP4/4 was driven by one of the greatest F1 champions in history, Ayrton Senna. Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won 15 of their 16 races using the MP4/4 chassis. The record set by the two champions with this chassis still hasn’t been beaten by another F1 team.

 

1991 McLaren MP4/6

The McLaren MP4/6 was the last model in F1 history ever to have won a championship using a manual transmission and a V12 engine. Ayrton Senna drove this model through two consecutive World Championship wins.

 

2011 Red Bull RB7

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber drove the 2011 Red Bull RB7. Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years old at the time, made F1 history as the youngest driver to win two consecutive Drivers’ Championships. The 2011 Red Bull RB7 finished 19 of its 27 races in a pole position.

 

2016 Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid

The 2016 Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid is the only F1 car that comes close to the dominance that the 1988 McLaren MP4/4 had during its run. To meet new F1 regulations, the F1 W07 Hybrid was equipped with a hybrid power unit that utilized the heat energy produced under braking conditions to generate electrical energy for the engine.