Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, has witnessed numerous driver pairings that have left an indelible mark on the sport’s history. The combination of two talented drivers in a team can be a recipe for success, resulting in breathtaking battles, strategic brilliance, and unforgettable moments on the track. As we reflect on the 21st century, it’s time to celebrate the dynamic duos that have captivated F1 fans around the world.
In this blog post, we will delve into the ten best F1 driver pairings of the 21st century, showcasing the exceptional talent, teamwork, and chemistry that propelled these partnerships to greatness. From legendary champions to emerging talents, these pairings pushed the limits of performance and etched their names in the annals of F1 history.
Number 1. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (2021 -Present)
It may be premature to add this dynamic duo to the pantheon of Formula One greatness, but their collective accomplishments thus far undeniably justify their inclusion.
Prior to Sergio Perez joining the team, Max Verstappen had established himself as a formidable force, a teammate slayer if you will. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and even the talented Daniel Ricciardo, to some extent, had succumbed to his dominance, with the Red Bull car seemingly tailored to suit the Dutchman’s preferences.
Recognizing the need for a capable teammate, Red Bull altered their recruitment strategy, opting for experience rather than promoting young talent.
Perez, who was facing an uncertain future in the world of F1, quickly showcased his ability to occupy one of the sport’s most demanding roles.
As we head into the 2023 season, the duo appears indomitable, and the likelihood of witnessing a Red Bull car crossing the finish line first in every race is steadily increasing.
Number 2. Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen (2016-2018)
Ricciardo and Verstappen make a noteworthy appearance on this list, as their time together proved to be a pivotal moment in their respective careers, despite not showcasing their peak performances.
Ricciardo had already made a strong impression during his tenure with Red Bull, but with the departure of Vettel, a young Verstappen emerged as his toughest adversary yet.
The Dutch prodigy wasted no time in making his mark, securing a victory in his early days with the team. Together, they celebrated a total of nine Grand Prix victories, a number that could have been even higher if not for the dominant presence of Mercedes during that period.
While their partnership is often associated with the infamous crash in Baku in 2018, it was Verstappen who emerged triumphant on that occasion. Sensing the shifting dynamics, Ricciardo recognized the direction the wind was blowing and made his move to Renault, seeking new pastures for his career.
Number 3. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton (2007)
If one were to script the events of 2007 for a Hollywood movie, it would likely be dismissed as too fictional. A young and talented rookie entering the Formula 1 scene alongside a seasoned two-time World Champion at one of the sport’s most storied teams, engaging in a fierce battle throughout the season. The narrative would be filled with tales of questionable tactics, rumored bribes within the team’s garage, and increasingly strained relationships.
In a manner reminiscent of the first Rocky movie, the story did not unfold as a fairytale ending for either driver.
The partnership between Alonso and Hamilton as teammates for a single year evoked memories of the intense Senna vs. Prost rivalry. There was animosity, a tightly contested championship battle, but above all, there was an extraordinary display of driving prowess.
The duo pushed each other to new heights, showcasing their immense skills on the track. It is strikingly poetic how closely their seasons mirrored each other. Both achieved four victories, stood on the podium the same number of times, and ultimately finished with identical points.
In the end, neither driver claimed the championship crown, as that honor belonged to Räikkönen. However, 2007 provided a captivating and glorious year of racing, forever etched in the annals of Formula 1 history.
Number 4. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas (2017-2021)
Following in the footsteps of Barrichello, Bottas initially embraced the role of Hamilton’s trusted wingman during his early days with Mercedes. Together, they forged a formidable partnership, securing four consecutive Constructors’ championships and propelling the team to new heights in the all-time standings. The duo’s combined efforts yielded an impressive tally of 60 race victories.
Much like the iconic Schumacher era at Ferrari, Hamilton assumed the role of the team’s leading figure, while Bottas proved himself to be more than a mere supporting act. The Finnish driver showcased his own capabilities by clinching 10 victories, standing on the podium 58 times, and contributing a remarkable 739 points during the 2019 season. His point tally in that year stands as the third-highest ever achieved in a single Formula 1 season, further solidifying his prowess on the track.
Number 5. Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton (2013-2016)
The dynamic between these two teammates was nothing short of explosive, often pushing Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff to the brink of contemplating their dismissal. However, their partnership proved to be ruthlessly efficient on the track.
Having competed against each other in their younger days, Hamilton and Rosberg found themselves reunited as teammates at Mercedes in 2013. At the time, many questioned Hamilton’s decision, wondering what he had been thinking.
Yet, as time would reveal, Hamilton’s choice would be validated on numerous occasions as both he and Rosberg reaped the rewards of commanding Mercedes machinery.
Inevitably, in such a competitive environment, there can only be one top dog. For a few years, it appeared that Hamilton would always hold that mantle, asserting his dominance over his teammate.
Number 6. Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello (2000-2005)
When flipping through the pages of Formula 1 history, one cannot overlook the remarkable achievements of Michael Schumacher and his five consecutive Drivers’ Championship titles. However, it would be remiss to neglect the vital role played by Rubens Barrichello during that era.
While Sergio Perez is often lauded for his adept teamwork, it was Barrichello who truly defined the role of a supportive teammate. Together with Schumacher, they formed a formidable partnership that saw them triumph in an impressive 56% of the races they contested. Their combined efforts led to an astounding 126 podium finishes and an impressive tally of 24 one-two finishes.
Their collaboration at Ferrari not only secured personal success but also contributed significantly to the team’s overall accomplishments. With Barrichello’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the collective effort, they clinched an impressive five Constructors’ Championships for the storied Italian outfit. While Schumacher undoubtedly shone as the star and focal point, Barrichello epitomized the essence of selflessness and demonstrated the importance of putting the team’s interests above individual glory.
This paradigm of a star-wingman dynamic has since become a winning formula in Formula 1, and both Mercedes and Red Bull have successfully replicated this approach in their respective teams. The enduring legacy of Barrichello’s selfless contribution to Schumacher’s success has left an indelible mark on the sport, reminding us of the crucial role played by supportive teammates in the pursuit of Formula 1 greatness.
Number 7. Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber (2009-2013)
The arrival of a young prodigy has a remarkable way of igniting a competitive fire within seasoned drivers. Mark Webber, the seasoned Australian, had already spent two years at Red Bull when a fresh-faced Sebastian Vettel burst onto the scene. While both drivers narrowly missed out on the fairy-tale Brawn success story in 2009, it wasn’t long before they transformed into an unstoppable force.
The 2010 Formula 1 season witnessed a staggering display of dominance by Red Bull, with their drivers claiming victory in nearly half of the races. Sebastian Vettel emerged as the frontrunner, securing just one more win than his Australian counterpart, Mark Webber. However, the raw statistics fail to capture the true essence of their intense rivalry.
The infamous “multi-21” incident, etched in the annals of Formula 1 history, was a direct consequence of the unwavering belief each driver had in their ability to outshine the other. It epitomized the fierce competition that propelled both drivers to new heights of excellence. Together, they formed a dynamic duo that dominated the sport during the early 2010s.
Their battle on the track wasn’t solely defined by numbers or statistics. It was a relentless quest for personal and collective improvement—a testament to their unwavering determination and the unyielding pursuit of success. As they pushed each other to the limits, their rivalry became synonymous with the golden era of Red Bull Racing, forever etching their names in the rich tapestry of Formula 1 lore.
Number 8. Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc (2019-2020)
In the realm of Formula 1, the passing of the torch from a master to a student is a delicate dance, often perceived differently by those involved. Charles Leclerc’s arrival at Ferrari coincided with a new wave of talent emerging in the F1 world, creating a compelling dynamic within the team.
In 2019, the Monegasque driver stepped into the hallowed halls of the Maranello outfit, finding himself paired with none other than four-time World Champion, Sebastian Vettel. Although Vettel’s reputation may not have been as sterling as it was during his Red Bull glory days, he remained widely regarded as one of the most formidable drivers on the grid. Had it not been for the dominant Mercedes era, there is a distinct possibility that Vettel could have become the first Ferrari driver since Kimi Räikkönen to claim the coveted championship title.
Meanwhile, Leclerc had long been hailed as one of the most promising talents in the sport. His innate speed and seemingly effortless style seemed tailor-made for Ferrari’s illustrious legacy. The Scuderia may have been keen to pass the baton to Leclerc sooner than Vettel would have preferred, straining the German driver’s relationship with the team. However, it is worth noting that despite any team tensions, the mutual respect and admiration between Vettel and Leclerc never wavered.
There was no denying the immense skill possessed by both drivers. Each showcased their individual prowess on the track, leaving no room for doubt regarding their abilities. While their partnership may have endured its fair share of challenges, it served as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the captivating narratives that unfold within the high-pressure world of Formula 1.
Number 9. Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello (2006-2009)
Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello rightfully earn their place on this list for their remarkable composure and resilience in the face of one of the most extraordinary stories in Formula 1 history.
As the 2009 season dawned, both drivers found themselves not just outside the championship contention but also questioning the trajectory of their respective careers.
Button, at 29 years old, had only clinched a solitary victory and achieved a career-best of third place in the Drivers’ standings. Faced with the desperate need to stay in the sport, he willingly accepted a pay cut to remain with the newly rebranded Brawn GP team following Honda’s departure.
On the other hand, Barrichello, at the age of 36, was in the twilight of his illustrious career. Rumors swirled at the start of the season, suggesting that he might be replaced by the talented nephew of a former adversary, the legendary Ayrton Senna.
But then came the miraculous turn of events. The introduction of the double diffuser innovation propelled Brawn GP to an unprecedented advantage, setting them apart from the competition. Button, in particular, seized the opportunity with gusto, capitalizing on the team’s early dominance to establish a firm grip on the championship. While other teams gradually narrowed the gap, Button held his nerve, ultimately clinching the title. Barrichello played a crucial supporting role, securing a commendable third place in the championship, thus contributing to Brawn GP’s triumph in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships.
This fairytale season marked the pinnacle of Brawn GP’s brief foray in Formula 1, as they gracefully bowed out of competition after their solitary year of triumph. For Button and Barrichello, it was a testament to their perseverance, determination, and unwavering focus amidst uncertainty. Their remarkable accomplishments in 2009 will forever be etched in the annals of Formula 1 history as a testament to the enduring spirit of these two seasoned drivers.
Number 10. Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen (2015-2018)
Räikkönen and Vettel’s tenure as teammates could be summarized as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Both drivers made their move to Ferrari in 2014, with Räikkönen returning to the team for the first time since 2009. While their individual talents were undeniable, it was evident that Mercedes had firmly established their dominance during this period.
Mercedes kicked off their stranglehold on the championship with the introduction of the F1 W05, setting the stage for their continued success in the years to follow. However, it was Vettel and Räikkönen who provided the strongest challenge to Mercedes’ supremacy.
Throughout their time together, they consistently secured second place in the championship standings, falling just short of the ultimate prize. With a slightly more favorable twist of fate, perhaps they could have made that crucial step forward and challenged Mercedes for the championship crown. Despite the uphill battle, both drivers demonstrated their resilience and unwavering determination.
While their partnership at Ferrari didn’t yield the desired championship success, Räikkönen and Vettel’s contribution should not be overshadowed. They pushed themselves and the team to the limit, always striving for better results, and their battles on the track provided captivating moments for Formula 1 fans worldwide.
