F1’s fiercest rivalries: From Hunt v Lauda to Hamilton v Verstappen

Formula 1 has always been more than just a race against the clock — it’s a battle of skill, strategy, and, often, personalities. Over the decades, some of the sport’s fiercest rivalries have captivated fans, defined eras, and shaped the very history of motorsport.

From the fearless, flamboyant James Hunt clashing with the methodical Niki Lauda, to the modern titans Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battling over controversial titles, these duels have delivered unforgettable drama on and off the track.

Here’s a look back at the rivalries that pushed drivers to their limits and kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Hunt v Lauda

Without a doubt, the most famous rivalry in the sport. So much so, a highly successful movie — Rush — was made detailing its story.

The James Hunt and Niki Lauda rivalry took place during a time when Formula 1 was still pure, unfiltered by politics and rules, which many claim took away the soul of the sport but saved countless lives.

Two young drivers with opposite personalities, both looking to make a name for themselves in F1, stopped at nothing to get there. Hunt and Lauda often spoke of how their rivalry pushed each other to be better.

The most memorable moment of the rivalry came when Lauda burst into flames at the Nürburgring, causing lifelong facial injuries but forging a new level of driver resilience. Even after retirement, Lauda played an instrumental role in Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ success during their dominant years.

Prost v Senna

Widely considered the rivalry that defined an era of motorsport, McLaren teammates Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna’s fierce competition led to many heated moments on track.

At the top of their battles stands Suzuka 1989, when Prost led the title race by 16 points with two races to go — Japan and Australia. Tensions between the pair boiled over when Senna collided with Prost at the Casino chicane on lap 47. Prost retired, while Senna returned to the track and crossed the line first. However, he was later disqualified for cutting the chicane, effectively handing Prost the title.

Schumacher v Hakkinen

At the turn of the century, naturally aspirated V8s ruled F1. Two cocky young drivers, Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen, were battling to etch their names in history.

Though not as dramatic as some past rivalries, theirs defined a champion whose legacy remains unmatched. Hakkinen secured back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999 with McLaren, while Schumacher went on to dominate with Ferrari, winning five straight titles from 2000 to 2004 — a record Max Verstappen is now chasing.

Massa v Hamilton

A young Lewis Hamilton cut his teeth at McLaren during his maiden championship season against a determined Brazilian, Felipe Massa.

While not a direct rivalry, the 2008 “Crashgate” season left a lasting stain on F1. At the Singapore Grand Prix, Renault instructed Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash, bringing out a safety car that ultimately allowed Hamilton to win the race and the title by a single point. Over a decade later, Massa is suing F1 for $64 million over what he claims was match-fixing.

Hamilton v Verstappen

The 2021 Abu Dhabi finale remains one of the most controversial moments in F1 history. Fans argue that Lewis Hamilton was robbed of his eighth world title due to how the safety car was handled, allowing Max Verstappen to close the gap and overtake Hamilton to win.

The fallout was immediate and intense, with Verstappen receiving widespread online abuse. Even now, many fans continue to dispute the legitimacy of his first championship.