Who are the oldest world champions in the history of F1?

Formula 1’s 2025 grid will feature two championship-winning drivers in their 40s as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso race on – aiming to boost their tallies of seven and two world titles respectively. But who are the oldest champions when it comes to the sport’s all-time list? F1.com digs through the archives to present the numbers…

Juan Manuel Fangio – 46 years, 1 month, 11 days

In an era where it was commonplace for drivers to race through their 40s and 50s, the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio won his maiden 1951 title as a 40-year-old, his second at 43, third at 44, fourth at 45 and fifth at 46 – just over two years clear of the next driver on the list.

IN NUMBERS: F1’s oldest drivers and Grand Prix winners as Alonso races into his mid-40s with Aston Martin

Giuseppe Farina – 43 years, 10 months, 4 days

‘Nino’ Farina is that driver, having built on plenty of Grand Prix experience to take overall honours in the very first season of the F1 World Championship back in 1950. He did so by edging out his Alfa Romeo team mates – the aforementioned Fangio and Luigi Fagioli – across six races.