The FIA Formula World Championship, sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), is the premier single-seater car racing body in the world. Generally, the competition consists of a progression of races called the Grand Prix or Grand Prizes which are held in circuits or roads that were specifically designed and built for the specific events of the competition. Each year, two World Championships are awarded, one for the drivers and the other one for the constructors. With cars racing at speeds of 220 miles per hour, the drivers are the ones who are most revered as the sport’s rock stars. The frontrunners of the sport, the Formula One has immortalized them in their official Hall of Fame and is considered as the Famous Racing Faces immortalized for the achievements in the field of racecar driving. Below is the most current hall of famers that fanatics revere and admire in the last twenty years of Formula One racing.
- Sebastian Vettel (2010) – This German born 24-year old wonder on the tracks, awed race fans in last year’s championships. The youngest champion that the history of Formula One racing has ever known, his driving prowess is nothing short of phenomenal. Fans and enthusiasts will surely watch out for Vettel all the more in the years to come.
- Jenson Button (2009) – This British boy wonder rose from the Witranks on pure grit and talent. Button, supported by his father, led a dramatic journey before he won his only world championship. For years, Button was considered a “winless wonder,” which is nothing but a “cute face who belonged to a boy band instead of on the race track.” Through all the controversies that Button had to go through, he remained firm and unwavering – just waiting for a chance to prove his worth as a world class driver and as somebody who is more than just a pretty face.
- Lewis Hamilton (2008) – Another British born and bred Formula One wonder, Hamilton rose from rags to riches at a tender age when he caught Mclaren’s eye as a ten year old competing in kart races in England. Mclaren took him under their wing when they saw potential in the precocious youngster who had the guts and the drive to make it in F1 racing as the youngest world champion at 23 years old. His inspiring story captured the hearts of the world and turned him into the sport’s role model and ambassador. The first black champion in the Formula One competition, he is also famously known for having Nicole Scherzinger, another famous face in the music industry who is also well loved by fans all over the world.
- Kimi Räikkönen (2007) – Known as the “Ice Man” of the Formula One circuits, Räikkönen took seven long years before he became world champion. Unlike other Formula One’s famous faces and hall of famers, Räikkönen is considered to be the coolest and the most unique personalities that the competition has ever known. His flawless driving skills earned him the praise of experts and got him the respect that he deserved among his peers.
- Michael Schumacher (1994-1995, 2000-2004)
- Mika Hakkinen (1998-1999)
- Jacques Villeneuve (1997)
- Damon Hill (1996)
- Alain Prost (1985-1985, 1989, 1993)
- Nigell Mansell (1992)
- Ayrton Senna (1988, 1990-1991)
That highlights the current rosters of Formula One’s Hall of Fame and Famous Racing Faces with several others who have all worked hard and dedicated their lives to the sport. One thing that all these famous racing faces have in common is not only their victory in the Formula One races, but as well as their conquest in the hearts of their fans all over the world for their inspirational rise to the ranks that will be forever be entered into the annals of racing sports history.