Lewis Hamilton in a file photo. (Image: Twitter)

Top five most successful Mercedes drivers in Formula One history

March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 Nilavro Ghosh

Mercedes have been at the pinnacle of Formula One for the better part of a decade in the 2010s. The era saw the team bag an unprecedented eight constructor’s championship titles on the trot before losing out to Red Bull Racing in 2022. During that time, the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Valterri Bottas and Nico Rosberg took care of things on the track while the steady and competitive hand of Toto Wolff steered the ship towards Formula One folklore. When one speaks Mercedes, they either talk about Lewis Hamilton, or about the dominating era that the team enjoyed from 2014 to 2021.

Despite being one of the most successful teams in the history of Formula One, Mercedes is a relatively new constructor when compared to the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, Williams and AlphaTauri. Therefore, there are not many drivers that have driven for the silver arrows who could be called great for the team, Of course, with the level of dominance Hamilton showed to win six driver’s world championships in a row, they did not need anyone else. Despite that, here is our best attempt to present the five most successful drivers for Mercedes in Formula One.

Lewis Hamilton

Currently competing in Formula One for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team is British racer Lewis Hamilton. With Michael Schumacher, Hamilton has a record-tying seven World Drivers’ Championship victories in Formula One. He also holds the records for the most victories (103), pole positions (103), podium finishes (191), and other statistics. If there ever was anyone who ruled motorsport in the past 10 years, it is this man. Hamilton has either broken or equalled almost every possible record in the history of the sport and it was all with Mercedes.

Races with Mercedes	Wins	World Championships
202 (until 2023 Saudi Arabian GP)	82	6

Juan Manuel Fangio

When Mercedes called on its return to the pinnacle of motorsport, Fangio had already won the world championship. Fangio competed in the 1954 Argentinian and Belgian GPs in a Maserati 250F and won both races before the W196 was prepared for the new 2.5-liter F1. The Argentinian was a part of the silver arrows for only a couple of seasons (1954 and 1955). He was crowned world champion both the seasons, but unfortunately, Mercedes decided to take a hiatus from the sport in 1956.

Races with Mercedes	Wins	World Championships
12	8	2

Nico Rosberg

When Mercedes re-entered Formula One in 2010 after purchasing the championship-winning Brawn team, Rosberg joined the team. In his debut season, he outperformed Michael Schumacher. With four straight victories to start the year, Rosberg built a lead in the points standings. Hamilton did settle in, but Rosberg held a 12-point lead going into the Abu Dhabi grand finale over his teammate and eventually won the world championship. The German announced his retirement the following season.

Races with Mercedes	Wins	World Championships
117	23	1

Valterri Bottas

If there is an example of the perfect teammate, it is Valterri Bottas. The Finn was Lewis Hamilton’s partner for the most part of his absolutely breathtaking run of form in the previous decade, and his contribution to the seven time world champion has been absolutely crucial. Bottas was always one of the most experienced and consistent drivers on the grid. The Finn might never have been world champion with the silver arrows, but he will be remembered as one of their best drivers of all time.

Races with Mercedes	Wins	World Championships
101	10	0

Michael Schumacher

Although his stint with Mercedes was a winless affair, Michael Schumacher played a massive role in the development of the silver arrows after the team returned to the sport in 2010. The seven-time world champion came out of retirement and laid the foundation to what was a lower-table team at the time, and everyone can see the results today. For his contribution in laying down a steady foundation for what would become one of the greatest F teams ever, Schumacher deserves a place on this list.