From the outside looking in, Formula One is on an ever-quickening pace of evolution. Constructors work tirelessly—and with limited breaks throughout the year—while they search for innovations that will take their next car to the podium. It’s an exhausting and relentless job.

While non-racing fans might think that every new car automatically outperforms it predecessors, fans know that isn’t the case. Constructors take huge risks when they try out new ideas. While great innovations might lead a Lewis Hamilton-caliber driver to a dominant season, subpar ideas can land a team at the bottom of the rankings. In other words, new vehicles aren’t always up to snuff.

Looking back—even into the earliest eras of F1—there are dozens of incredible vehicles that were ahead of their time. And there have been a select few occasions that drivers and vehicles reached their highest paragon on the track.

These are the most exciting seasons for fans, as the old guard is replaced by the new guard. It’s also a popular time for bettors to back promising up-and-coming drivers and cars. If it’s a long shot, they might use a free bet offer to back an underdog like this year’s Lando Norris or Hamilton. Though neither driver is working with a flawless vehicle, both are pushing them to their limits in the hopes of dethroning Max Verstappen.

Let’s take a look back to rank some of the very best drivers who reached new heights with some of the best cars ever produced in Formula One.

(2023) Red Bull RB19 & Max Verstappen

It’s hard not to be in awe of what Verstappen is accomplishing with the Red Bull RB19. Even those who don’t like the Dutch driver (or Christian Horner), have been treated to one of the most elite and dominant runs in F1 history.

Statistically speaking, it will be difficult for another driver to top what Verstappen and Red Bull have accomplished. Will another driver ever take home 21 out of 22 possible Grand Prix wins? It seems highly unlikely—and some fans might argue it’s boring. But there’s no denying that Verstappen and the Red Bull RB19 will be remembered for decades to come.

(2004) Ferrari F2004 & Michael Schumacher

There was no car faster in F1 history than the Ferrari F2004—at least until it was taken down by high-downforce cars in the late 2010s. Driving for Ferrari, Schumacher managed to take home 13 out of 18 races, which also set a record at the time. In fact, it shocked the constructors on its first test run, outperforming their expectations by seconds.

(1992) Williams FW14B & Nigel Mansell

Back in one of Williams’ heyday, they had Nigel Mansell at the wheel. Though fellow teammate Riccardo Patrese was driving the same model, Mansell took the races to the next level. In fact, most F1 fans regard Mansell and the FW14B (designed by Adrian Newey) as the most competitive driver-vehicle combination in the sport’s history.

(1988) McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna (and Alain Prost) took the McLaren MP4/4 to new heights, ending the season with 15 out of 16 wins. Though both drivers contributed to the win, it was Senna whose next-level driving skills pushed the car to the peak of its performance. Though Senna and Prost both performed well for McLaren that season, Prost couldn’t quite push the car to the same heights.

(1965) Lotus 33 & Jim Clark

Back in 1965, Jim Clark had one of the most intriguing and successful racing careers, with a 70% win record in F1 and a solid performance in Indy racing. But it was his time with the Lotus 33 in 1965 that turned heads. While the car was fraught with problems, it went fast—fast enough to secure five consecutive victories on his way to a world championship. 

The post Top 5 Cars in Formula One History appeared first on My Car Heaven.