Top 4 Best Austrian F1 Drivers Of All Time

Throughout the history of Formula 1, Austria has given us 16 drivers who have competed at the highest level of motorsport. Among them, two stand out for their exceptional achievements: Niki Lauda and Jochen Rindt, who have claimed the prestigious World Championship title. However, their contributions to the sport and the enduring legacies of other best Austrian F1 drivers are worth exploring before the Austrian GP. Bet on the 2024 Formula 1 at online sportsbooks in Austria.

Niki Lauda is the Most Famous One

Since the dawn of Formula 1 in 1950, Austria has produced 16 remarkable drivers. Three have tasted victory, and two have ascended to the pinnacle as world champions. Yet one stands head and shoulders above the rest as a titan of the sport – Niki Lauda, a three-time world champion in 1975, 1977, and 1984. Lauda’s journey is well known to those who have watched Ron Howard’s “Rush.” Joining Ferrari in 1974, he clinched his maiden world title in 1975 with the team. However, the 1976 season brought tragedy as Lauda suffered severe burns in a horrific crash at the Nurburgring. Remarkably, Lauda was initially conscious and on his feet post-crash but soon fell into a coma, standing on the brink of death and receiving last rites.

Defying all odds, Lauda returned to the track just six weeks later, missing only two grands prix. Although he fought hard to defend his championship, he conceded the title to James Hunt in the final race, deeming the wet conditions in Japan too dangerous. Overcoming his struggles in the race, Hunt finished 3rd and clinched the championship by a single point.

Lauda reclaimed the world championship in 1977; however, his relationship with Ferrari soured, forcing a move to Brabham in 1978. By mid-1979, discouraged by an abysmal season with just two finishes, Lauda retired from racing to devote himself to his airline, Lauda Air, in Austria. The temptation of racing was irresistible, and he made a triumphant return with McLaren in 1982, swiftly regaining his winning form.

His crowning achievement came in 1984 when he secured his third title with McLaren, narrowly defeating his teammate Alain Prost by half a point. Lauda remains the only driver to win championships for Ferrari and McLaren, two of Formula One’s most storied teams. Use 22Bet to bet on Hamilton to repeat this success with Ferrari and Mercedes. 

Best Austrian F1 drivers: Jochen Rindt

In the center of the Red Bull Ring stands a bust of Jochen Rindt, the 1970 World Champion. Though born in Mainz, Germany, Rindt raced under the Austrian flag throughout his career. His F1 journey began in 1964, and by the following year, he secured a full-time seat with Cooper. That year, in addition to his F1 challenge, he raced at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Masten Gregory for Ferrari and claimed a victory at the legendary track.

Rindt’s move to Lotus in 1969 provided him with the machinery to truly unleash his potential. He claimed his first victory at the United States Grand Prix, setting the stage for a spectacular 1970 season. Winning five of the first nine races, Rindt was on a clear path to the world title. Tragically, he never got to hold the champion’s trophy himself, as a fatal accident during practice at the Italian Grand Prix cut his life short. Despite the efforts of Jacky Ickx, who won two of the three final races of the season, Rindt remained ahead by five points, securing his place in history. In those days, Formula One was dangerous. Fatalities and serious injuries were not uncommon. Yet, Rindt’s legacy lives on, as he remains the only posthumous F1 world champion, a testament to his remarkable talent and uncrushable spirit.

Gerhard Berger: the most recent winner

Gerhard Berger stands not only as one of the best Austrian F1 drivers. He’s Austria’s most recent Formula 1 victor, with ten wins in three different teams. His first Grand Prix triumph came with Benetton at the 1986 Mexican Grand Prix. Soon after, he joined Ferrari and became a beloved Tifosi figure. Berger’s most memorable victory occurred at the 1988 Italian Grand Prix, leading a Ferrari one-two finish just weeks after the passing of the team’s founder, Enzo Ferrari.

Berger then moved to McLaren, partnering with Ayrton Senna, and secured three more victories. He later returned to Ferrari and eventually returned to Benetton, where he achieved his final Formula One win at the 1997 German Grand Prix, bringing his career full circle with the team where it all began.

Alexander Wurz is one of the best Austrian F1 drivers

Before Alexander Wurz got on his Formula 1 journey, he had already written his name in motorsport history by winning the 1996 Le Mans for Porsche at 22, making him the youngest victor of the prestigious event. His F1 career began when he stepped in for his compatriot Gerhard Berger at Benetton, who was replaced due to illness. Sensationally, Wurz secured a podium finish in just his third race at the British Grand Prix, earning himself a full-time seat with the team the following year.

Wurz’s next notable F1 appearance came in 2005 with McLaren, where he made a one-time debut at the San Marino Grand Prix and clinched the second of his three career podiums. It wasn’t until 2007 that he secured another full-time drive, this time with Williams, achieving his best season result with a third-place finish in Canada. Bet on this year’s Canadian GP at online gambling sites in Austria.

After retiring from F1 at the end of the 2007 season, Wurz returned to his roots in endurance racing. In a triumphant comeback, he claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Peugeot, a remarkable 13 years after his initial win in 1996.

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