Formula 1 – Top 10 Fastest Cars & Drivers on the Planet in 2025

A place to witness some of the fastest and finest machines, Formula 1 was and continues to be the highest standard of motorsport racing in the world. Having evolved significantly since its inception in 1950, the F1 Grand Prix has now become a world-class event that captivates global audiences who live and breathe racing. 

While high-performance automobiles are an integral part of the F1 culture, what truly brings these machines to life is the paramount skill of those behind the wheel. With the excitement surrounding the 2025 F1 Grand Prix at its peak, here’s an ode to 10 of the fastest Formula 1 cars and drivers on the planet.

What is Formula 1?

Before diving into the list of the world’s fastest F1 drivers and cars, it is important to know what the sport is all about and what truly goes into bringing the racetracks alive. Considered to be the gold standard of motorsport racing, the Formula 1 World Championship is a global event that comprises a series of races called the Grand Prix. 

The “Formula” in F1 refers to a set of rules that every participating automobile must follow. These rules are set by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (International Automobile Federation), which is the governing body responsible for conducting the race events. 

In a bid to determine a winner, a point-based scoring system is used to declare two annual world championships – one for the drivers and one for the constructors or teams as we popularly know them.

What makes an F1 race car different? 

Engineered to indulge in high-speed action that changes in the blink of an eye, F1 Grand Prix cars are different from regular road cars in several ways. Designed with elaborate aerodynamic components such as wings and underbody tunnels, F1 race cars are built to generate a high downforce that pushes the car down for a stable grip and top-notch performance. 

Unlike conventional cars, F1 race cars are built with lightweight materials such as carbon fiber to achieve maximum agility and minimum drag. 

With engines powerful enough to hit 0 to 60 mph in merely 2.2 seconds, the performance of an F1 race car is unmatched by any mass-market automobile. Coming a long way since 1950, Formula 1 race cars have now evolved into formidable machines that are truly the peak of modern engineering. 

For perspective, here’s a quick comparison between the first-ever F1 speedster and the latest one slated to feature in the 2025 F1 season:

Top 10 Fastest Formula 1 Grand Prix cars on the planet

Equipped with the most advanced engines in the industry, Formula 1 cars are built to deliver performance that gets better with each lap and deliver speeds that can blur reality. Here are ten of the fastest Formula 1 cars to have ever hit the racetracks.

1. Mercedes AMG W11 EQ Performance

Hailed to be the fastest F1 race car to ever exist, the Mercedes AMG W11 is all about sheer performance. Making its debut in the 2020 Australian Grand Prix, the W11 went on to be the most successful speedster for Mercedes, helping it secure its seventh consecutive World Constructors’ as well as Drivers’ Championship. 

Driven by Lewis Hamilton in the Italian Grand Prix 2020, the Mercedes F1 car managed to achieve the fastest official lap in Formula 1 history, with a lap time of 1:18.887, an average speed of 164.3 mph, and an estimated top speed of 223 mph. With 13 wins, 15 pole positions, and 9 fastest laps in just 17 races, the W11 is indeed a force to be reckoned with.

2. McLaren MP4-4 

A veteran F1 Grand Prix legend, the McLaren MP4-4 was the undisputed star of the 1988 Formula 1 season. Driven to life by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, two of the biggest stars of those times, the McLaren MP4-4 was so good that it went on to win 15 out of the 16 Grand Prix races of that season, with a top speed record of 207 mph. 

Powered by a 1.5-litre Honda V6 engine, the Formula 1 car in its final year of development churned out an excess of 700 bhp. A legend in every sense, the McLaren F1 car is indeed one of the most popular F1 cars the world has ever seen.

3. Ferrari F2004

The glorious machine that drove F1 driver Michael Schumacher to his seventh world championship title, the Ferrari F2004, is fondly remembered as the pinnacle of Ferrari’s high-speed engineering for the 2004 Grand Prix season. Winning 15 out of the 18 races scheduled for the season, the F2004 touched an approximate top speed of about 196 mph with its 3-litre V10 engine producing as much as 865 bhp. 

As an extremely reliable machine, the Ferrari F1 car has been instrumental in achieving several lap records throughout its history, including the still-unbroken record at the Magny-Cours circuit.

4. Williams FW26 

Adopting a radically aerodynamic design that featured two vertical poles on either side of the nosecone, the Williams FW26 is fondly remembered as the “Walrus Nose” machine. Competing in the 2004 Grand Prix, the Williams FW26 featured BMW’s 3.0-litre P84 V10 engine, which was skillfully driven by both Juan Pablo Montoya and Mark Schumacher. 

While the Ferrari F2004 dominated the season, the FW26 did give it a tough time. In the hands of Montoya, the Williams F1 car managed to set the then-best F1 lap record during a qualifying round with an average speed of 162.950 mph, which, though unofficial, spoke volumes about the car’s capabilities.

5. McLaren MP4-20

The final McLaren race car featuring a Mercedes engine, the MP4-20, was known for its exceptionally aerodynamic stance that gave it a competitive edge over its rivals in the 2005 Formula 1 season. As a result, the race car managed to win as many as 10 races in addition to creating a new record for the fastest lap in the history of the Bahrain Grand Prix. 

The still unbroken record is a testament to the McLaren F1 car’s exceptional speed capabilities, that was elevated by supremely talented drivers like Pedro De La Rosa, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Kimi Raikkonen.

6. Red Bull RB7

A formidable Formula 1 race car of the 2011 Grand Prix season, the Red Bull RB7 played a crucial part in establishing Red Bull as a dominant force in the history of motorsport racing. Powered by Renault’s 2.4-litre V8 engine, the RB7 produced over 700 bhp of power, dominating the circuits with speeds of up to 200 mph. With Sebastian Vettel and Mark 

Webber behind the wheel, the Red Bull F1 car went on to win 12 out of the 19 races of the season, securing almost all pole positions except one. Concluding a successful season, the RB7 led Vettel to win the Drivers’ Championship and Renault to win the Constructors’ Championship.

7. Williams FW38

Despite a rather short career, the Williams FW38 managed to create a solid impact in the history of the fastest F1 cars in the world. Built to compete in the 2016 Grand Prix with Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa behind the wheel, the FW38 proved to be a solid success in the early stages of the championship. 

However, the same cannot be said for the latter half of the season, mainly due to a lack of competitive upgrades. Nonetheless, the Williams F1 car still managed to make its presence felt by clocking in 235 mph – the highest recorded speed of a Formula 1 race car within F1 regulations.

8. Ferrari SF71H

Topped with a 1.6-liter V6 turbo-hybrid engine, the Ferrari SF71H is considered to be the Italian carmaker’s most successful F1 race car with a hybrid-engine setup. Developed to compete in the 2018 Grand Prix, the SF71H had stalwarts like Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen steering the machine. 

Known to have displayed “insane” speeds at several circuits, the SF71H has achieved 6 first-place finishes and about 24 podiums. It was the SF71H Ferrari F1 car that also held the record for the fastest lap in Formula 1 history before the Mercedes W11 broke it in 2020.

9. Red Bull RB18

With Mercedes snatching away eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from Red Bull, the Formula 1 carmaker developed a machine so good that it dethroned all major rivals, helping Red Bull sit at the top again. This was the RB18 with its 1.6-litre direct injection V6 turbo engine, driven by legends Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez in the 2022 Grand Prix Season. 

The racecar with its exceptional downforce stuck to the tracks like glue, achieving incredible speeds that won Red Bull 18 out of 22 races scheduled for the season. A hands-down speedster in every sense, the RB18 is indeed a special one. 

10. Honda RA 106

Holding the glorious record of being the fastest Formula 1 car ever recorded, the Honda RA 106 clocked an insane 246.908 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2006. The record, however, comes with a caveat, as the RA 106 achieved the feat with engine and parts modified to deliver exceptional performance in a Salt Flat environment. 

Since Formula One isn’t a drag race, the Honda RA 106 is unique as it is the only F1 car tested for maximum straight-line performance, which is different from actual racing. Nonetheless, the Honda RA 106 was and continues to be one of the fastest F1 race cars on the planet.

The Magic Behind the Wheels – The Fastest Formula 1 Drivers

Built with sophisticated engineering and power-packed engines, there’s a whole lot of potential an F1 race car presents. But to truly seize the day, what’s needed is a skilful driver behind the wheel. Contributing significantly towards the ultimate success of an F1 team, drivers play a crucial role in getting the best out of a machine. 

With the strength and reaction of a fighter, the cognitive prowess of a Chess Grandmaster, and the endurance of a marathon runner, F1 drives are a class apart. With the 2025 F1 season marking the 75th Anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship, here’s remembering some of the greatest and fastest F1 drivers the world has ever seen.

1. Lewis Hamilton

Considered to be one of the greatest and most popular F1 drivers of the 21st century, Lewis Hamilton reigns over an unmatched career. Holding the record of being a seven-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion alongside Michael Schumacher, Hamilton’s long list of achievements also includes the record for winning 105 races in addition to 104 pole positions and 202 podium finishes. 

Setting the record for the fastest official lap in F1 history, it was Lewis Hamilton who drove the Mercedes W11 to glory. As a representative of the world of motorsport racing, Hamilton has time again played key roles in globally promoting the sport, including being the producer and advisor of the Formula 1 movie 2025.

2. Max Verstappen

An absolute legend in the making, Max Verstappen is hands down one of the fastest and most skilful F1 drivers of the current era. Starting his racing career in 2015, Verstappen’s sheer talent made him the youngest driver to start a championship race. 

Since then, Verstappen's passion for the sport has led him to win 4 consecutive Formula One World Drivers’ Championships with 65 wins, 117 podium finishes, and 44 pole positions. A two-time holder of the Fastest Lap Award, Max Verstappen’s exceptional performance continues in the 2025 season, where he currently holds the 3rd Position driving for Red Bull.

3. Fernando Alonso

Revered as one of the greatest F1 drivers the world has ever witnessed, Fernando Alonso is known for his consistency and ability to extract the maximum performance out of his cars in every weather condition. As a veteran driver, Alonso holds 2 Formula One World Drivers’ Championship titles, along with 32 career wins, 106 podium finishes, and 22 pole positions. 

With a career spanning over 24 years, Fernando Alonso still has a lot to deliver. Currently placed 14th in the 2025 Grand Prix season, Alonso surely has a lot of experience to quickly jump up in the standings with his Aston Martin.

4. Oscar Piastri

With his F1 career starting as a test driver for Renault/Alpine from 2020 to 2022, Oscar Piastri’s exceptional talents led him to quickly rise to fame. Known for his ability to maintain composure and quickly adapt to changing in-race environments, Oscar’s grit and passion for the sport led him to join McLaren in 2023, for which he continues to race. 

Talking about the 2025 F1 season, Oscar Piastri is already creating a buzz, winning 5 out of the 12 races he has participated in, with 4 fastest laps, 10 podium finishes, and 4 pole positions. Strongly holding the numero uno spot this season, Oscar Piastri is truly one of the fastest F1 drivers.

5. Lando Norris

Another young and energetic F1 driver, Lando Norris, has had a commendable Formula One career. Making his debut in 2019, Norris has since then been associated with McLaren, putting out some impressive and memorable performances. Crowned as the runner-up of the 2024 Championship Title, Norris has also been awarded the DHL Fastest Lap accolade for the same season, both of which he achieved at the age of 25. 

With 8 wins, 36 podium positions, and 12 pole positions in his career, Lando Norris is all set to become one of the greatest upcoming F1 drivers. As for the current season, Norris dominates the 2nd spot driving for McLaren.

6. George Russell

Formally starting his racing career in 2019 with Williams, George Russell is a man of technique and ability. Clocking in the fastest laps at several arenas throughout his career, Russell has achieved 20 podium finishes, 4 wins, and 6 pole positions, emerging as one of the most promising Formula One race drivers of the current era. 

In the latest F1 2025 season, Russell is performing well for Mercedes AMG Petronas, where he is currently holding the 4th position with 5 podium finishes, 1 win, and 1 fastest lap tally.

7. Charles Leclerc

A champion in the making, Leclerc’s journey in Formula One has been rather interesting. Starting as a young debutant for Sauber in 2018, Charles Leclerc has since then grown to be a formidable contender known for his impressive qualifying pace and wheel-to-wheel racing proficiency. 

Achieving the runner-up spot in the 2022 Drivers’ Championship, Charles has won 8 races in his career with 26 pole positions and 47 podium finishes. Holding the 5th position in the current Formula One season, Leclerc is all set to have a promising season ahead.

8. Kimi Antonelli

The youngest F1 driver on the list, Kimi Antonelli, has a promising future ahead of him thanks to his sheer determination and love for the sport. Replacing Lewis Hamilton for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team, Kimi officially began his racing career with the 2025 Grand Prix season. Showcasing some impressive performances, Kimi Antonelli became the second-youngest point scorer in the history of Formula One in addition to being the highest-placed debutant since 2014. 

A skilful driver behind the wheel, Kimi is also the youngest driver to set the fastest lap – a milestone he achieved at the age of only 18 years and 225 days. With the remaining season ahead of him, Antonelli currently stands 7th in the season with 6 top-10 positions.

9. Niko Hulkenberg

With a long Formula One career that spans over 15 years, Niko Hulkenberg has had associations with several constructors, including Force India by Vijay Mallya. Starting with Williams in 2010, Hulkenberg bagged his first pole position, which was also the first for the Williams team since 2005. 

As a seasoned driver, Hulkenberg is known for his skilful racing abilities and control, through which he has attained 2 fastest laps and 1 podium finish in his career, scoring 608 points, albeit without a win. In the current Grand Prix season, Hulkenberg reigns over the 9th position, slowly improving his performance using his vast experience.

10. Pierre Gasly

With 3 fastest laps, 5 podium finishes, and 1 career win up his sleeve, Pierre Gasly surely knows how to handle speed. Starting his career in the 2017 Grand Prix season, Gasly slowly changed gears, improving every aspect of his performance. 

A seasoned F1 race car driver, Pierre has partnered with several popular teammates over the years, including Verstappen. Currently driving for Alpine, Gasly stands at the 13th position in the 2025 Formula One season, making it to the top 10 list in three races.

The World of Racing and Beyond

Now that you know all about the fastest Formula One cars and drivers on the planet in 2025, it is natural for the excitement to kick in. From Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie 2025 to Netflix’s Formula 1 Drive to Survive documentary, there’s a lot for you to explore in the world of motorsport racing. 

With the current Formula One season underway, we hope that your newfound love for Formula One racing gets you hooked on every upcoming Grand Prix event. Here’s a schedule of all the forthcoming motorsport action: