Formula 1 has released a list on its official social media channels featuring 20 drivers considered the greatest in the sport’s 75-year history. While the ranking does not follow a specific order, Ayrton Senna was highlighted as one of the first names mentioned, alongside Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.

Senna’s presence in all-time greatest driver lists remains a constant, whether in fan opinions or expert analyses. In 2009, a poll conducted by the prestigious British magazine Autosport, with votes from 217 Formula 1 drivers, named Senna as the greatest of all time.

Some of today’s top Formula 1 drivers also consider Senna the number one driver in history and openly idolize the Brazilian legend. Among them are seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, two-time champion Fernando Alonso, as well as rising stars Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto.

Hamilton, Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio – three of the most frequently cited names in all-time F1 rankings – have repeatedly stated in interviews that Senna was the greatest driver in history.

One of the most recent tributes took place at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton paid homage to Senna by driving the iconic 1990 McLaren MP4/5B in the rain at Interlagos. After stepping out of the car, Hamilton spoke about his childhood hero in an interview with Brazilian broadcaster Band.

“This is such an emotional moment. I was reliving my childhood, watching Ayrton, seeing him race and win. I can’t believe I’m getting this opportunity. He is the greatest of all time. To do this in front of these fans, who stood in the rain all day—it’s truly a special day for me,” said Lewis Hamilton at the time.