Formula 1, one of the most popular motorsport, has introduced some of the most talented and respected drivers in racing history and has attracted fans for decades.
A few drivers have made their path legendary by leaving an unforgettable mark on the sport. Among them are Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, and Fernando Alonso, each with a unique path to their racing career.
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Who are the top 3 drivers with the highest number of race starts?
1. Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso is a Spanish driver who began his Formula 1 journey in 2001 with the Minardi team. Alonso’s incredible skill behind the wheel attracted the attention of the paddock.
His breakthrough came with Renault, where Alonso took his first victory at the 2003 Hungarian GP. He became the youngest double champion at that time by winning the World Championships in 2005 and 2006. He has a total of 2 world championships and a total of 377 starts in a race.
Alonso’s energy and ability to adjust have been highlights of his racing career as he has worked for a number of teams, including McLaren and Ferrari. Alonso is well-known for his strategic thinking and dedication, which have helped him win many races and gain the respect of both his fans and colleagues.
2. Kimi Raikkonen
Kimi Raikkonen is a legendary racer from Finland, known as “The Iceman” for his cool-headedness on and off the track.
Raikkonen made his Formula 1 debut with Sauber in 2001. And immediately proved to be an outstanding talent. His first win came in the 2003 Malaysian GP and which was his breakthrough year, as he won his first World Championship with Ferrari. Kimi has one world championship and has 349 starts in the races.
Raikkonen’s driving style and unknown nature have been highlights of his career. Raikkonen left Formula 1 in 2012 to pursue other racing projects, including rallying and NASCAR, but he returned with the Lotus team, establishing his outstanding performances and major wins again.
3. Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is considered as one of the finest drivers in Formula 1 history, and his rise to the top of the sport is amazing.
Hamilton started his career with McLaren in 2007 and made an instant impression as a strong competitor. He won his first World Championship in 2008, setting the stage for an incredible career full of firsts.
Lewis has been dominating the sport with Mercedes since 2013, writing history with his speed, and performance. His seven World Championships established him as one of the legends and ranked him among the all-time greats. He has a total of 332 starts in the races.
The following ranks place is secured by Rubens Barrichello in fourth with 322 starts, Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button in fifth place with 306 starts, Sebastian Vettel with 299 starts, Felipe Massa with 269 starts, Sergio Perez with 257 starts and Riccardo Patrese with 256 starts.
Fiza is a writer at The Sports Orbit, focusing on F1 coverage. She is currently pursuing her master’s in broadcasting journalism and has a profound love for motorsports. She finds F1 to be the most engaging among others due to its adrenaline rush. She got interested in the sport after watching an F1 race with her brother and uncle, and she’s been hooked ever since. Her favorite team is Mercedes and she is a fan of Lewis Hamilton. Besides her dedication to F1, she enjoys activities like reading, practicing her calligraphy skills, and experimenting with cooking.
