The 15 most iconic moments in Formula 1 history – ranked

Formula 1 has delivered countless unforgettable moments that have defined the sport. As we look ahead to the upcoming season, let's take a quick look back at some of the most iconic moments in Formula 1 history. 

After Honda pulled out of F1 in 2008, Ross Brawn took over the team, rebranding it as Brawn GP. With a revolutionary double diffuser, Jenson Button dominated the early season, ultimately securing both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in one of the most incredible underdog stories in the sport's history.

In a dramatic 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel overcame a first-lap collision and changing weather conditions to finish sixth, securing his third consecutive World Championship by just three points over Fernando Alonso, as the Guardian reported at the time. 

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Michael Schumacher cemented his status as the greatest of his era by clinching his seventh and final World Championship in 2004. Dominating the season with 13 wins in 18 races, Schumacher and Ferrari were untouchable, setting a benchmark for excellence that stood until Lewis Hamilton matched his title tally in 2020.

In a race delayed by rain and marred by multiple incidents, Jenson Button emerged victorious at the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix. After six pit stops and a collision with his teammate, he overtook Sebastian Vettel on the final lap to claim a thrilling win that had most fans on their feet.

The 1979 French Grand Prix was the setting for an unforgettable duel between Gilles Villeneuve and René Arnoux. Their relentless, wheel-banging battle for second place remains one of the most thrilling displays of competitive racing.

At just 18 years old, Max Verstappen won the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix on his debut for Red Bull Racing, becoming the youngest winner in F1 history. It would be the first of many for the precocious Dutchman, who has maintained his winning ways ever since. 

Montreal has been host to some of the most chaotic races in history, and Lewis Hamilton's maiden victory at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix has to be one of the standouts. Starting from pole position, he maintained his lead through multiple safety car periods, including one caused by Robert Kubica's horrific crash.  

The 1998 Belgian Grand Prix is infamous for a massive first-lap collision involving 13 cars, one of the largest in F1 history. The race was restarted, and despite the chaos, Damon Hill secured Jordan's first-ever victory.

One well outside our memories, but in 1957 Juan Manuel Fangio cemented his place as a true legend of the sport at the German Grand Prix. After a pit stop mishap, he made up a 48-second deficit, overtaking both Ferraris to secure victory. A true driving masterclass, as Top Gear recounted. 

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You know he was bound to make at least one appearance, right? Qualifying for the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix, Ayrton Senna delivered a lap that many consider the greatest in F1 history. He outpaced his teammate, Alain Prost, by a staggering 1.427 seconds, demonstrating his extraordinary connection with the circuit.

In the 1995 Belgian Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher delivered a masterclass in changing conditions. Starting from 16th on the grid, the rain master navigated the wet-dry race to claim victory. He was not always the fastest, but he could outmanoeuvre anybody on his day 

In the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park, Ayrton Senna showcased his unparalleled skill in wet conditions. Starting from fourth, he overtook Michael Schumacher, Karl Wendlinger, Damon Hill, and Alain Prost in a single lap to take the lead. While several drivers can call themselves rain masters, this one cemented Senna at the top of the list. 

The 1976 season witnessed a fierce battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Lauda's near-fatal accident and miraculous return set the stage for a dramatic finale in Japan, where Hunt clinched the championship by a single point.

The intense rivalry between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna reached its climax at the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix. On the 49th lap at the Suzuka Circuit, a frustrated Senna intentionally crashed into Prost at the chicane. While it ended the race for both drivers, it ultimately secured the Championship for Senna, as Motorsport reported. 

After a near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring that left him with severe burns, Niki Lauda defied the odds for a remarkable return just six weeks later, still nursing open wounds, at the Italian Grand Prix. He later said he was terrified to return to the track, but feared the loss of his career more, as Top Gear recounted – a true triumph of the will to compete at the highest level. 

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