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14 Mar 2025, Fri

the 10 greatest winners in history

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Formula 1 shares a special bond with the Australian Grand Prix, one of the most iconic races on the global calendar. Held today in Melbourne at the Albert Park circuit, the event has been a stage for fierce battles and historic moments since its debut in the championship in 1985, originally in Adelaide. Legendary drivers and rising stars have left their mark on Australia’s streets, with victories that resonate in the memories of fans. Among the standout names is German Michael Schumacher, the record holder with four wins, followed by other giants like Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. The race, which has often kicked off the season, mirrors the sport’s evolution and the skill of drivers on demanding tracks.

The Australian GP has evolved over time while retaining its significance. From 1985 to 1995, it took place in Adelaide, a street circuit known for its tight corners and thrilling season finales. Since 1996, Melbourne has taken over, offering a semi-urban track that blends fast straights with technical sections. This shift also cemented the race as a favorite among drivers and teams.

Featuring a roster of winners that includes world champions and idols across generations, the Australian GP reflects excellence in Formula 1. Names like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Kimi Räikkönen have all claimed the top step of the podium, each with unforgettable stories that enrich the race’s legacy.

Roots of success: the early years in Adelaide

Before Melbourne became synonymous with Formula 1 in Australia, Adelaide set the stage. Between 1985 and 1995, the city hosted 11 editions of the GP, many of them pivotal for the championship. It was there that Ayrton Senna secured his two victories, in 1985 and 1993, showcasing his brilliance on a layout demanding precision and daring. The Brazilian’s first win, in his debut season with Lotus, signaled the start of a legendary career, while his second, with McLaren, capped off an emotional year.

Other drivers also shone in Adelaide. Alain Prost, the French four-time champion, triumphed in 1986 and 1988, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s sharpest strategists. Gerhard Berger, an Austrian with an aggressive style, won in 1987 and 1992, the latter marking the final victory of the Adelaide era. These early years established the Australian GP as a heavyweight event, often chosen to close the Formula 1 season.

The move to Melbourne in 1996 opened a new chapter. The Albert Park circuit, with its fast corners and close proximity to fans, preserved the race’s challenging spirit. Since then, the list of winners has spanned different eras, from Michael Schumacher’s dominance in the early 2000s to Lewis Hamilton’s modern-day prowess.

Modern giants: Schumacher tops the list

Michael Schumacher stands as the Australian GP’s greatest winner, with four remarkable victories. The German, a seven-time world champion, won in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004, all in Melbourne, driving for Ferrari. His triumphs reflect the peak of an era when he and the Italian team ruled Formula 1, blending speed, strategy, and consistency. In 2001, for instance, Schumacher started from pole and led from start to finish, displaying total control.

Close behind, with three wins each, are Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button. Vettel, another German multi-champion, took victories in 2011, 2017, and 2018, driving for Red Bull and Ferrari. His wins highlight his adaptability to different cars and conditions, notably in 2017, when he ended Mercedes’ pole streak. Button, the British 2009 champion, excelled in 2006, 2010, and 2012, with his 2010 McLaren win in a rain-affected race standing out for its strategic brilliance.

The winners’ list showcases the diversity of talent in Formula 1. While Schumacher embodies the dominance of the 2000s, Vettel and Button represent the competitiveness of later decades, facing off against rivals like Hamilton and Räikkönen in memorable duels.

Top 10 winners: the names that shaped history

Seven drivers share the distinction of winning the Australian GP twice, forming a gallery of Formula 1 legends. Here’s the complete list of the 10 greatest winners, ranked by number of victories:

  • 10th Lewis Hamilton: The British seven-time champion won in 2008 and 2015, with McLaren and Mercedes, and holds a record seven poles in Melbourne.
  • 9th Kimi Räikkönen: The Finn triumphed in 2003 and 2013, with McLaren and Lotus, showcasing his cool-headedness in key moments.
  • 8th David Coulthard: The Briton won in 1997 and 2003, with his first Melbourne victory coming for McLaren.
  • 7th Damon Hill: The 1996 world champion won that year and in 1998, driving for Williams and Arrows.
  • 6th Ayrton Senna: The Brazilian shone in Adelaide, winning in 1985 and 1993 with Lotus and McLaren in standout performances.
  • 5th Gerhard Berger: The Austrian took victories in 1987 and 1992 in Adelaide, with Ferrari and Benetton.
  • 4th Alain Prost: The French four-time champion won in 1986 and 1988 in Adelaide, driving for McLaren.
  • 3rd Sebastian Vettel: With three wins (2011, 2017, and 2018), the German excelled with Red Bull and Ferrari in Melbourne.
  • 2nd Jenson Button: The Briton won in 2006, 2010, and 2012, with his 2010 McLaren victory a highlight.
  • 1st Michael Schumacher: The undisputed leader, the German won four times (2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004) with Ferrari in Melbourne.

These drivers span eras and styles, cementing the Australian GP as a definitive test of skill.

Memorable moments from the Australian GP

The Australian Grand Prix has delivered unforgettable races. In 1986, the Adelaide event decided the world title in a dramatic showdown between Prost, Nigel Mansell, and Nelson Piquet, with Prost prevailing after a tire blowout ended Mansell’s hopes. Another iconic moment came in 1994, when Schumacher clinched his first championship by colliding with Hill, a controversial incident still debated by fans.

More recently, the 2010 Melbourne race showcased Jenson Button’s skill. In intermittent rain, the Briton made a bold early tire switch and surged to the lead, winning convincingly. In 2018, Vettel capitalized on a virtual safety car to overtake Hamilton, who had dominated until then, in a strategic twist.

Here are some standout moments from the Australian GP:

  • 1985: Ayrton Senna claims his first Formula 1 win.
  • 1994: Schumacher secures the title in a clash with Hill.
  • 2008: Hamilton kicks off his path to his first championship.
  • 2013: Räikkönen stuns with a tactical Lotus victory.

Timeline of dominance: how winners evolved

The Australian GP has seen distinct phases, reflected in its winners. In the Adelaide era, from 1985 to 1995, drivers like Senna, Prost, and Berger reigned, in a time of less advanced cars where raw talent often decided races. The switch to Melbourne aligned with Schumacher’s rise, as he won four of the first nine races there from 2000 to 2004.

From 2006 onward, the event saw greater variety in winners, with Button, Räikkönen, and Vettel standing out. Since 2014, with hybrid engines introduced, Hamilton and Mercedes have dominated qualifying, though victories have been more contested. Here’s a recent timeline:

  • 2015: Hamilton wins with Mercedes.
  • 2017: Vettel triumphs with Ferrari.
  • 2018: Vettel repeats the feat.
  • 2019: Valtteri Bottas surprises with Mercedes.

What makes Albert Park circuit unique

Unlike other tracks, Albert Park blends street circuit traits with the flow of permanent layouts. Spanning 5.2 kilometers, it features 14 corners and straights that enable overtaking, like the run into Turn 1. Its proximity to the lake and surrounding parks also offers a striking backdrop, drawing thousands of spectators yearly.

The track demands a balanced setup between speed and grip, as its asphalt—used as public roads most of the year—evolves over the race weekend. This challenges teams to adapt strategies, especially in qualifying, where Hamilton has secured seven poles. Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, with rain a possibility, adds further complexity.

The Australian GP remains a cornerstone of Formula 1, merging history, technical demands, and fan passion. From Schumacher’s victories to modern battles, the circuit continues to spotlight the sport’s finest.

Formula 1 shares a special bond with the Australian Grand Prix, one of the most iconic races on the global calendar. Held today in Melbourne at the Albert Park circuit, the event has been a stage for fierce battles and historic moments since its debut in the championship in 1985, originally in Adelaide. Legendary drivers and rising stars have left their mark on Australia’s streets, with victories that resonate in the memories of fans. Among the standout names is German Michael Schumacher, the record holder with four wins, followed by other giants like Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. The race, which has often kicked off the season, mirrors the sport’s evolution and the skill of drivers on demanding tracks.

The Australian GP has evolved over time while retaining its significance. From 1985 to 1995, it took place in Adelaide, a street circuit known for its tight corners and thrilling season finales. Since 1996, Melbourne has taken over, offering a semi-urban track that blends fast straights with technical sections. This shift also cemented the race as a favorite among drivers and teams.

Featuring a roster of winners that includes world champions and idols across generations, the Australian GP reflects excellence in Formula 1. Names like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Kimi Räikkönen have all claimed the top step of the podium, each with unforgettable stories that enrich the race’s legacy.

Roots of success: the early years in Adelaide

Before Melbourne became synonymous with Formula 1 in Australia, Adelaide set the stage. Between 1985 and 1995, the city hosted 11 editions of the GP, many of them pivotal for the championship. It was there that Ayrton Senna secured his two victories, in 1985 and 1993, showcasing his brilliance on a layout demanding precision and daring. The Brazilian’s first win, in his debut season with Lotus, signaled the start of a legendary career, while his second, with McLaren, capped off an emotional year.

Other drivers also shone in Adelaide. Alain Prost, the French four-time champion, triumphed in 1986 and 1988, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s sharpest strategists. Gerhard Berger, an Austrian with an aggressive style, won in 1987 and 1992, the latter marking the final victory of the Adelaide era. These early years established the Australian GP as a heavyweight event, often chosen to close the Formula 1 season.

The move to Melbourne in 1996 opened a new chapter. The Albert Park circuit, with its fast corners and close proximity to fans, preserved the race’s challenging spirit. Since then, the list of winners has spanned different eras, from Michael Schumacher’s dominance in the early 2000s to Lewis Hamilton’s modern-day prowess.

Modern giants: Schumacher tops the list

Michael Schumacher stands as the Australian GP’s greatest winner, with four remarkable victories. The German, a seven-time world champion, won in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004, all in Melbourne, driving for Ferrari. His triumphs reflect the peak of an era when he and the Italian team ruled Formula 1, blending speed, strategy, and consistency. In 2001, for instance, Schumacher started from pole and led from start to finish, displaying total control.

Close behind, with three wins each, are Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button. Vettel, another German multi-champion, took victories in 2011, 2017, and 2018, driving for Red Bull and Ferrari. His wins highlight his adaptability to different cars and conditions, notably in 2017, when he ended Mercedes’ pole streak. Button, the British 2009 champion, excelled in 2006, 2010, and 2012, with his 2010 McLaren win in a rain-affected race standing out for its strategic brilliance.

The winners’ list showcases the diversity of talent in Formula 1. While Schumacher embodies the dominance of the 2000s, Vettel and Button represent the competitiveness of later decades, facing off against rivals like Hamilton and Räikkönen in memorable duels.

Top 10 winners: the names that shaped history

Seven drivers share the distinction of winning the Australian GP twice, forming a gallery of Formula 1 legends. Here’s the complete list of the 10 greatest winners, ranked by number of victories:

  • 10th Lewis Hamilton: The British seven-time champion won in 2008 and 2015, with McLaren and Mercedes, and holds a record seven poles in Melbourne.
  • 9th Kimi Räikkönen: The Finn triumphed in 2003 and 2013, with McLaren and Lotus, showcasing his cool-headedness in key moments.
  • 8th David Coulthard: The Briton won in 1997 and 2003, with his first Melbourne victory coming for McLaren.
  • 7th Damon Hill: The 1996 world champion won that year and in 1998, driving for Williams and Arrows.
  • 6th Ayrton Senna: The Brazilian shone in Adelaide, winning in 1985 and 1993 with Lotus and McLaren in standout performances.
  • 5th Gerhard Berger: The Austrian took victories in 1987 and 1992 in Adelaide, with Ferrari and Benetton.
  • 4th Alain Prost: The French four-time champion won in 1986 and 1988 in Adelaide, driving for McLaren.
  • 3rd Sebastian Vettel: With three wins (2011, 2017, and 2018), the German excelled with Red Bull and Ferrari in Melbourne.
  • 2nd Jenson Button: The Briton won in 2006, 2010, and 2012, with his 2010 McLaren victory a highlight.
  • 1st Michael Schumacher: The undisputed leader, the German won four times (2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004) with Ferrari in Melbourne.

These drivers span eras and styles, cementing the Australian GP as a definitive test of skill.

Memorable moments from the Australian GP

The Australian Grand Prix has delivered unforgettable races. In 1986, the Adelaide event decided the world title in a dramatic showdown between Prost, Nigel Mansell, and Nelson Piquet, with Prost prevailing after a tire blowout ended Mansell’s hopes. Another iconic moment came in 1994, when Schumacher clinched his first championship by colliding with Hill, a controversial incident still debated by fans.

More recently, the 2010 Melbourne race showcased Jenson Button’s skill. In intermittent rain, the Briton made a bold early tire switch and surged to the lead, winning convincingly. In 2018, Vettel capitalized on a virtual safety car to overtake Hamilton, who had dominated until then, in a strategic twist.

Here are some standout moments from the Australian GP:

  • 1985: Ayrton Senna claims his first Formula 1 win.
  • 1994: Schumacher secures the title in a clash with Hill.
  • 2008: Hamilton kicks off his path to his first championship.
  • 2013: Räikkönen stuns with a tactical Lotus victory.

Timeline of dominance: how winners evolved

The Australian GP has seen distinct phases, reflected in its winners. In the Adelaide era, from 1985 to 1995, drivers like Senna, Prost, and Berger reigned, in a time of less advanced cars where raw talent often decided races. The switch to Melbourne aligned with Schumacher’s rise, as he won four of the first nine races there from 2000 to 2004.

From 2006 onward, the event saw greater variety in winners, with Button, Räikkönen, and Vettel standing out. Since 2014, with hybrid engines introduced, Hamilton and Mercedes have dominated qualifying, though victories have been more contested. Here’s a recent timeline:

  • 2015: Hamilton wins with Mercedes.
  • 2017: Vettel triumphs with Ferrari.
  • 2018: Vettel repeats the feat.
  • 2019: Valtteri Bottas surprises with Mercedes.

What makes Albert Park circuit unique

Unlike other tracks, Albert Park blends street circuit traits with the flow of permanent layouts. Spanning 5.2 kilometers, it features 14 corners and straights that enable overtaking, like the run into Turn 1. Its proximity to the lake and surrounding parks also offers a striking backdrop, drawing thousands of spectators yearly.

The track demands a balanced setup between speed and grip, as its asphalt—used as public roads most of the year—evolves over the race weekend. This challenges teams to adapt strategies, especially in qualifying, where Hamilton has secured seven poles. Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, with rain a possibility, adds further complexity.

The Australian GP remains a cornerstone of Formula 1, merging history, technical demands, and fan passion. From Schumacher’s victories to modern battles, the circuit continues to spotlight the sport’s finest.

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