F1, standing at the pinnacle of motorsport, has witnessed the emergence of legendary teams like Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes, each contributing to the evolution of racing with the creation of some of the most brilliant cars in the world. The 1988 McLaren MP4/4, forged in the crucible of the intense rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, stands as a testament to unparalleled dominance in the annals of Formula One history. Red Bull Racing's RB19, piloted by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, etched its name in the record books by clinching both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in 2023, solidifying its status as an epitome of racing supremacy. And How can we forget the incredible 2003 season where under the direction of the legendary Michael Schumacher, Ferrari unveiled the magnificent F2003, which showcased their technical expertise and racing acumen. Each F1ason brings a new chapter in the collective narrative of Formula One, moulded by the renowned teams that have become synonymous with racing brilliance. This unending drama of invention and speed highlights the perpetual pursuit of excellence.
While several metrics may be used for comparison, F1 has changed significantly throughout the years. Since the Formula One calendar is so wide it would be unfair to use campaign points as a measure of supremacy since they would favour the current years. According to the win percentage, these are the five best F1 vehicles in a world championship season.
5. Ferrari 500
Due to a lack of specialist Formula 1 vehicles, Formula 2 regulations were implemented for the 1952 Formula 1 season. In reaction, the Ferrari 500 emerged as the only manufacturer to produce a specialised vehicle that met these requirements.
It didn't take long for the Ferrari 500 to become the benchmark of racing performance. With driver Piero Taruffi at the wheel, this extraordinary machine won every race it participated in, culminating in its first-ever victory at the Swiss Grand Prix. Following his efforts at the Indy 500, Alberto Ascari began an unprecedented seven-race winning run, which lasted until Sebastian Vettel beat it in 2013.
Thanks to Ascari's mastery of the Ferrari 500, the team won the 1952 and 1953 titles, beginning a dominating period in which the car nearly went undefeated for two years in a row.
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4. Ferrari F2002
One of the most renowned eras for the Italian racing team Ferrari is the succession that lasted from 2000 to 2004. The Ferrari F2002, under the direction of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, became an iconic vehicle and cemented its place as one of the most successful Formula One vehicles of all time.
The F2002 was a huge improvement over its predecessors when it was introduced. This remarkable machine achieved an outstanding record of fifteen victories, twenty-eight podium finishes, eleven pole positions, and fifteen fastest laps in nineteen races, all powered by a powerful 900bhp V10 engine. The F2002's revolutionary improvement over the F2001 is most obvious in its redesigned and lighter gearbox, which dramatically reduced the vehicle's centre of gravity and contributed to its overall supremacy. The F2002's track performance was further improved by the smaller design's contribution to significant advances in aerodynamic efficiency.
3. Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid
With 19 victories out of 21 races in 2016, the Mercedes W07 was clearly the dominant force in Formula One. Nico Rosberg won the championship, his first and only, beating out teammate Lewis Hamilton. He then announced his retirement from Formula One.
The 2016 season saw the Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid carry on the team's winning tradition, building on the success of the F1 W06 Hybrid.
2. McLaren MP4/4
The McLaren MP4/4 is one of the most successful Formula 1 cars of all time. In 1988, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won an incredible 15 of the 16 races they competed in thanks to the car's incredible 93.8% win percentage.
The 1988 Italian Grand Prix was the only race the MP4/4 suffered a loss in despite its tremendous success. While Alain Prost was having engine trouble from the get-go, race leader Ayrton Senna was forced to quit with two laps remaining after colliding with Jean-Louis Schlesser at Rettifilo while trying to pass the Williams. For the illustrious McLaren MP4/4, this one loss spoiled an otherwise perfect season.
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1. Red Bull RB19
As Max Verstappen sailed assuredly towards clinching his third drivers' world championship in 2023, Red Bull produced one of the most dominant seasons in Formula 1 ever.
Together with the teammate Sergio Perez, the dynamic line won 21 races. Red Bull was on the verge of a perfect sweep until the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix when Carlos Sainz of Ferrari won.
The subsequent five sprint races were also dominated by the RB19. Verstappen won four of these races. Amazingly, Verstappen won the championship with six Grands Prix left on the schedule, matching Michael Schumacher's record for most rounds to spare for a championship.
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