Recall, Remember and Cherish some of the greatest rivalries in Formula 1 history

Sportco takes all the racing fans down the memory lane by analyzing some of the greatest Formula 1 rivalries between iconic drivers that defined an era in F1.  

The rivalries have something to showcase their leadership and teach how to respect the competitor in the battleground. 

At the end of the day, Formula 1 is about winning titles, not teammates getting along. Hence, let's have a quick look at some of the greatest rivalries of Formula 1 :- 

Sebastian Vettel vs Fernando Alonso

The career trajectories of both drivers are almost the same. Vettel and Alonso achieved great success at the start of their careers with Renault and Red Bull racing respectively. 

Both drivers are always coming under the belt of the greatest rivalries of Formula 1 history. Fernando Alonso, who is mercurial and romantic is a double champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006. The mechanical and relentless Sebastian Vettel is with the supreme Red Bull conquering the previous two seasons. 

Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso are looking to add another prestigious crown with their respective teams. German driver Vettel, on his part, is hoping that the new Aston Martin project and the 2022 budget cuts could bring him back into contention. 

Fernando Alonso would be hoping that with Alpine GP, the Spaniard could for one final time battle for the crown before he declares it a day in F1. 

Michael Schumacher vs Mika Hakkinen

The greatest Formula 1 rivalries in the history of Formula 1 between 1998 and 2000, the sports had ever witnessed. Both Schumacher and Hakkinen respected each other on the battleground. 

The Flying Finn and former F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen's strength is purely based on raw speed, Hakkinen is regarded as the fastest man in Formula 1. 

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and McLaren's Mika Hakkinen's rivalry would still be considered less controversial and more on the lines of discipline and control and raw talent.

Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg

The greatest Formula 1 rivalry between Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg is likely to be remembered as the defining battle in the era of 2010s. 

The explosive nature of their rivalry caused tough competition and great tensions within the Mercedes camp. In the majority of weekends, they fought for victories and crowns in what was effectively an intra-team contest for three seasons. 

However, Lewis Hamilton surpassed many of Michael Schumacher’s Formula 1 records and became one of the most successful drivers in history in the process.

Sebastian Vettel vs Mark Webber

The relationship between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber was not a healthy one. There are Several high-profile incidents like the Turkish GP crash and the Multi-21 controversy caused the relationship to totally disastrous with Webber leaving the team at the end of the 2013 season. 

In the five seasons, the two were teammates at Red Bull racing wherein Sebastian Vettel dominated, racking up 44 poles, 38 wins, and 61 podiums with four straight world championships. 

Meanwhile, former Australian driver Mark Webber scored 13 pole positions, nine wins, and 40 podiums leading to three third-place finishes in the drivers’ championship. 

James Hunt vs Niki Lauda

The 1976 F1 World Championship was one for the ages as the enigmatic James Hunt came face to face with the perfectionist Niki Lauda. The rivalry was so fierce that it warranted a hit Hollywood movie on it called Rush.

The season had it all. Lauda faced life-threatening burns in the race at the treacherous Nurburgring but showed up just two races later to mount the title charge. It all came down to the wire as in the last GP, Lauda decided to retire given the safety fears giving Hunt the title. 

Ayrton Senna vs Alain Prost

Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna and Frenchman Alain Prost were the leading drivers of the great F1 duels on different occasions of their careers. 

One of the greatest Formula 1 rivalries took a U-turn during the 1988, 1989, and 1990 seasons, when both drivers were vastly superior in the sport and had their ultimate face-off at the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix. 

As teammates, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost registered 25 victories from 32 races over the 1988 and 1989 seasons, signifying the pure dominance the drivers had over the competing field and other manufacturers. Ayrton Senna had 14 wins and 26 pole positions whilst Prost had 11 victories and 4 pole positions.

To conclude, Senna is regarded as higher than Prost because the Brazilian was supposed to be a little faster. He was fighting against the status quo, Alain Prost was representing it.