WHY ARE THE MOST F1 CHAMPIONS FROM THESE FOUR COUNTRIES?
Four countries have produced the most F1 champions. But why is that? Let's find out!
Since F1's start in the 1950s, there have been teams from 26 countries, represented by 767 drivers from 40 different countries, in races hosted by 33 countries. Whew...
With numbers like those, it seems almost unbelievable that just four countries have produced more F1 champions than the others. Over the years, there have been 33 champions, a small number considering 767 drivers have competed over the years.
There are various factors at play too. For instance, the 1978 world champion, Mario Andretti, didn't clock up a win for Italy. Instead, his championship is listed in the history books under the USA flag. Why? Well, that's because he received his "super licence" in the States, where he was living at the time.
This has happened on more than one occasion, the most recent being a win for Germany with Nico Rosberg, even though he is Finnish.
Other factors play a part too. For instance, England is the spiritual home of Formula 1, and more teams have their base in London. This includes Renault from France, Red Bull from Austria, Haas from the US and Mercedes from Germany. Then there are the British teams in the championship. Think McLaren, Williams and Aston Martin (previously Racing Point).
Is it any wonder then that five drivers from the UK are champions? We're talking about Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Nigel Mansel, Jenson Button, and current 7-times champion Lewis Hamilton. Combined, they've won the championship 20 times.
Germany has received the title 12 times, with Sebastian Vettel winning four times, Nico Rosberg once, and the legendary Michael Schumacher seven times.
Then, it's time to cross the Atlantic and visit Brazil. Three world champions seem unlikely, considering the lack of performance car culture and relatively small motoring industry. But, Brazilians love to see their countrymen win, and the fans are some of the most passionate in the world. This South American country has the most significant connection to Formula 1 outside of Europe. That's thanks to drivers like Emerson Fittipaldi in 1970, who kick-started Brazil's love affair with F1.
Since then, 32 drivers have represented Brazil, including the most famous of them all, Earton Senna. The three-time champion is considered the best driver of them all, and his death was echoed around the world.
But, the last country on this list has a smaller population than Florida. They've only had nine drivers represent the country in the history of F1, but three of them have won world championships. Compared to the US, which has only two winners from 36 drivers, this win-ratio is fantastic.
So, which country are we talking about, and why are they so successful? Well, you'll have to watch Donut Media's Wheel House video below to find out!