The Most Successful F1 Car, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the car you think is the most successful!

Updated on May 6, 2024 06:58

Determining the most successful Formula 1 car involves more than just looking at a single race; it's about consistency, innovation, and adaptability across various seasons and regulations. Fans and experts often debate which model stands out, considering different eras and technological advancements. This list aims to capture those discussions and allow enthusiasts to vote, giving a clearer picture of public opinion and expert analysis combined. Each car on this list has made its mark in the history of F1 racing through remarkable achievements and technological breakthroughs. By participating in this voting process, you contribute to acknowledging the engineering marvels and strategic masterpieces that have shaped the sport. Your vote helps us to create a dynamic and reflective ranking of history's most incredible F1 cars.

What Is the Most Successful F1 Car?

1

36
votes
Rick Dikeman · CC BY-SA 3.0

Ferrari F2004

Ferrari

This car won 15 out of 18 races in the 2004 season, with Michael Schumacher winning his seventh World Championship. It is considered one of the most dominant cars in F1 history.
The Ferrari F2004 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Formula 1 cars ever created. It was a dominant car that competed in the 2004 Formula One season, helping Ferrari secure the Constructors' Championship and Michael Schumacher win his seventh World Drivers' Championship.

Engine: Ferrari Tipo 053 3.0L V10

Power Output: 900 bhp

Transmission: Semi-automatic 7-speed gearbox

Weight: 605 kg (including driver)

Fuel: Shell V-Power
Ferrari F2004 in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful F1 car ever
2

18
votes
Paul Lannuier from Sussex, NJ, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

McLaren MP4/4

McLaren Racing

This car won 15 out of 16 races in the 1988 season, with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost driving. It is considered one of the most successful cars in F1 history.
The McLaren MP4/4 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Formula 1 cars ever created. It competed during the 1988 F1 season and achieved remarkable success, winning 15 out of 16 races and securing both the drivers' and constructors' championships.

Chassis: Carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb composite

Engine: Honda RA168E, 1.5 L V6 turbocharged

Power: Estimated 900 bhp (670 kW)

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Weight: 540 kg (1,190 lb)
McLaren MP4/4 in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful F1 car ever
3

19
votes
Iwao from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY 2.0

Williams FW14B

Adrian Newey

This car won 10 out of 16 races in the 1992 season, with Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese driving. It was designed by Adrian Newey and is considered one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time.
The Williams FW14B is considered one of the most beautiful Formula 1 cars ever built. It was designed and created by Adrian Newey, a renowned Formula 1 designer known for his technical expertise. The FW14B was used by the Williams team during the 1992 Formula 1 season and has left a lasting impact on the racing world.

Engine: Renault RS4 3.5L V10

Max power: 700+ bhp

Weight: 505 kg

Transmission: Williams 6-speed semi-automatic

Brakes: Carbon discs and pads
Williams FW14B in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful F1 car ever
4

26
votes
Original: Eustace Bagge Derivative work: Danyele · CC BY-SA 4.0

Mercedes F1 W11 EQ Performance

This car won 13 out of 17 races in the 2020 season, with Lewis Hamilton winning his seventh World Championship. It is considered one of the most dominant cars in recent F1 history.
The Mercedes F1 W11 EQ Performance is a Formula One car designed and built by Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team for the 2020 Formula One season. It is widely regarded as one of the most successful F1 cars in history, achieving dominance on the track and securing the team's seventh consecutive Constructors' Championship. The car features several technical innovations and aerodynamic advancements, allowing it to deliver exceptional performance and speed.

Engine: Mercedes-AMG F1 M11 EQ Performance

Power: Around 1000 hp

Transmission: 8-speed forward + 1 reverse

Chassis: Carbon-fiber composite monocoque

Suspension: Independent front and rear, push rod activated
5

17
votes
Morio · CC BY-SA 3.0

Red Bull RB7

Red Bull Racing

This car won 12 out of 19 races in the 2011 season, with Sebastian Vettel winning his second World Championship. It is considered one of the most dominant cars in recent F1 history.
The Red Bull RB7 is a highly successful Formula 1 car designed and developed by Red Bull Racing. It achieved significant success during the 2011 Formula 1 season, securing both the Constructors' Championship and the Drivers' Championship for Sebastian Vettel.

Chassis: Carbon fiber monocoque

Engine: Renault RS27-2011, 2.4L V8

Power output: Approximately 750 hp

Transmission: 7-speed semi-automatic

Weight: 640 kg (including driver)
6

12
votes
Lothar Spurzem · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Lotus 72

This car won 20 races between 1970 and 1975, with drivers such as Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Ronnie Peterson. It is considered one of the most successful cars in F1 history.
The Lotus 72 is widely considered one of the most beautiful Formula 1 cars ever created. Designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, it made its debut in 1970 and remained competitive until 1975. The iconic black and gold livery added to its aesthetic appeal.

Chassis: Aluminum monocoque

Engine: Ford Cosworth DFV V8

Power: 400-450 horsepower

Transmission: Hewland FG400 5-speed manual

Weight: 550 kg (1,213 lbs)
Lotus 72 in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful F1 car ever
- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful race car of all time
7

11
votes
Lothar Spurzem · CC BY-SA 2.0 de

McLaren MP4/2

McLaren

This car won 12 out of 16 races in the 1984 season, with Niki Lauda and Alain Prost driving. It is considered one of the most successful cars in F1 history.
The McLaren MP4/2 is a legendary Formula 1 car that competed during the 1984 and 1985 seasons. It is considered one of the most successful and iconic F1 cars in history.

Chassis: Carbon fibre composite monocoque

Engine: TAG-Porsche TTE PO1 1.5L V6 Turbo

Power: Around 800 bhp

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Weight: 540 kg
8

2
votes
Biso · CC BY 3.0

Brabham BT52

Gordon Murray

This car won the 1983 World Championship with Nelson Piquet driving. It was designed by Gordon Murray and is considered one of the most innovative cars in F1 history.
The Brabham BT52 is widely regarded as one of the most successful Formula 1 cars ever built. It was created by the Australian engineer Gordon Murray for the Brabham racing team, and it competed in the 1983 Formula 1 World Championship.

Chassis: Aluminum monocoque

Engine: BMW M12/13, 1.5L turbocharged inline-4

Power Output: About 850 horsepower

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Weight: Around 540 kg (1,190 lb)
9

7
votes
Mathieu Felten · CC BY 2.5

Ferrari F2002

Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne

This car won 15 out of 19 races between 2002 and 2003, with Michael Schumacher winning his fifth and sixth World Championships. It is considered one of the most dominant cars in F1 history.
The Ferrari F2002 was an exceptionally successful Formula One car designed by Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne for the Ferrari team. It competed in the 2002 Formula One season and proved to be one of the most dominant cars in the history of the sport. The F2002 played a crucial role in securing the Constructors' Championship for Ferrari and helped Michael Schumacher win his fifth Drivers' Championship.

Chassis: Carbon-fiber and honeycomb composite structure

Front Suspension: Push-rod activated torsion springs

Rear Suspension: Push-rod activated torsion springs

Engine: Ferrari Tipo 051 3.0 L V10

Power Output: Approximately 880-900 bhp
10

1
votes
Rick Dikeman · CC BY-SA 3.0

Williams FW18

This car won 12 out of 16 races in the 1996 season, with Damon Hill winning his only World Championship. It was designed by Adrian Newey and is considered one of the most successful cars in F1 history.
The Williams FW18 was a highly successful Formula 1 car designed and built by Williams Grand Prix Engineering for the 1996 FIA Formula One World Championship.

Chassis: Carbon fiber composite monocoque

Weight: 595 kg (1,311 lbs)

Engine: Renault RS8 3.0L V10

Transmission: Williams six-speed longitudinal semi-automatic

Brakes: AP Racing carbon discs and pads

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Discussion

Ranking factors for successful car

Race wins

The number of race wins achieved by the car is also an important factor. A car that consistently wins races is likely to have been a very successful F1 car.
Dominance over rivals

How dominant a car was in its respective season is another factor to consider. A car that was significantly better than its competitors in a certain year or era is likely to be ranked higher.
Technological advancements

Cars that have introduced new and groundbreaking technology and design features are often highly regarded.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful F1 car. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or car is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1636 views
145 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each car once every 24 hours. The rank of each car is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful f1 car

The world of Formula One has seen many legendary cars over the years, each with its own unique design, features, and achievements. From the iconic Ferrari 312T to the modern Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance, the list of successful F1 cars is long and impressive. But what makes a car successful in the world of F1? Is it speed, agility, or a combination of both? Factors such as aerodynamics, engine power, and reliability all play a crucial role in determining the success of an F1 car. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most successful F1 cars in history and the key features that made them stand out from the rest.