As any Formula 1 fan can tell you, the heart pumping intensity of the sport isn’t just made for the track. Formula 1 is the perfect analogy for power and precision- which is why so many people choose to enhance their home and workspaces with iconic Formula 1 prints.
According to the bestselling company Sport Photo Gallery, who sell not only Formula 1 prints but all kind of sports images, these kinds of images have gained more and more fans throughout the years.
Bringing the drama and excitement from some of the most gripping moments in history is simple, choosing which print to get is the hard part. Here are the six most influential drivers from Formula 1. Each holding some of the most fantastic driving records and creating first-hand, the moments that make Formula 1 the sport it is.
Surely any moment captured throughout these varied and impactful careers will give your space the edge to overtake the competition.
1. Stirling Moss
“Better to lose honourably in a British car, than win in a foreign one.” Stirling Moss was one of the greatest drivers that never won a World Championship. Moss had style and class, that surpassed just his presence on the race track. Between the years of 1948 and 1961, Moss held the racing world captive as he competed in 529 races, 16 of which were Grand Prix, with career points of 185 9/14. A die-hard fan of British racing cars, Moss was a key player in breaking the stronghold that German and Italian cars had on the industry. Throughout his career, his determination and love of British racing made him stand out amongst the crowd- pushing the limits of public perception and every car he got into.
2. Alain Prost
Prost is easily considered to be one of the greats. Throughout 1987 to 2001, Prost proudly held the title for most Grand Prix victories. This 51 time winning Frenchman got his start in Formula 1 by falling in love with go-karts at the tender age of 14. One short year after his Formula 1 debut, Prost was already driving for the factory Renault team. Playfully known as “The Professor”, Prost had an unnerving calm behind the wheel, with a deeply intellectual approach to the competition. A calm that persists in every formula 1 print found of him.
3. Ayrton Senna
Brazilian powerhouse, Senna dominated the track before his untimely death at the young age of 34. During his ten year career, Senna won three championships and captivated audiences with his speed and wet weather performances. Known to be a bit hot-blooded, Senna endured many well-publicized controversies throughout his career, including a rivalry with Alain Prost. What made him a favorite wasn’t necessarily his sharp tongue, but a sharp mind. Senna had an uncanny ability to provide incredibly detailed and technical details about the performance of his vehicles- long before the advent of telemetry.
4. Nigel Mansell
Driving for industry greats, like Lotus, Williams, Ferrari, and McLaren, Mansell enjoyed a Formula 1 career spanning 15 seasons from 1980. Mansell held the record for most poles set in a season up until 2011. Voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1986, Mansell showed the world that he wasn’t only a driver, but a true sportsman. Competing for the world title, Mansell’s rear tire exploded with only 19 laps to go. Wrestling the car safely into the run-off area, instead of hitting a wall, let stewards from red-flagging the race- which would have given him the title. Instead, ever the gentleman, Mansell graciously ended the season as runner up to Alain Prost.
5. Mika Häkkinen
The aptly named “The Flying Finn”, Mika Häkkinen was an F1 legend during the years of 1991-2001. Finnish born, Mika got into racing at a young age. His early career in Formula 1 was filled with complications, bans, and losses. However, in 1997 Häkkinen truly found his footing, continuing his first Formula 1 victory with another eight race wins in ‘98. Häkkinen would spend the last years of his career on high, securing wins throughout the following seasons. Making Häkkinen an excellent choice for Formula 1 prints, proving that you should never give up on your dreams.
6. Micheal Schumacher
Schumacher is arguably the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time. Holding records for the most World Championship titles, most Grand Prix wins, most fastest laps, and the most races won in a single season, Schumacher is hands down a defining driver of Formula 1. While his career may be fraught with controversy, Schumacher has always shown unending integrity off of the track. With tens of millions of dollars donated to charities, numerous humanitarian efforts, and as an ambassador for UNESCO, Schumacher brings more than just titles and records to Formula 1. Up until a debilitating skiing accident in 2013, Schumacher made an imprint on many people’s lives, both with his skill, and his heart.