Which Grand Prix event is considered the greatest test of driving skills?
Monaco, is it not?
My choice is the man that won it FIVE times, Graham Hill.
Jerry Rosen - 12 years ago
Jim Clark was the quintessential F1 racer. I wasn't even a teen yet in the 60's when I started following him - best I could at that time. Clark drew me in to F1 racing and a love of cars in general. When that James Garner movie - Grand Prix - opened in the sixties, I immediately made my dad take me to it. He had no idea I had become a racing fan. I told my father about Clark. I was hoping, through the movie, to get an idea of what this sport was really like. Clark's pure numbers are the best - 72 GP starts and 25 wins - that's astounding and he didn't make it to the seventies. He was modest and a gentlemen and I still get tears in my eyes when I think of him. A few years ago I read an article written by Franchitti (in a car magazine) which was a homage to Clark. Franchitti wrote about Clark in the same way fans like myself think of him. All the other drivers in your poll are excellent, but Clark was special. He had the perfect combination of extreme skill, modesty and was a great competitor. As I zoom around Mulholland in my 82 Spider (I can't afford more) I try to imagine Clark racing in F1. He was one of the greatest athletes of all time and the British rightfully so should be proud of Clark's accomplishments.
Raymond Goodman - 12 years ago
It has to be Jim Clark,I just wonder what Jimmy would have achieved if we had not been robbed of this fantastic talent way too early..
Mark Witham - 12 years ago
Sir Stirling had it all. He won effortlessly when he had the best car, and from behind when it was clearly not. He won in front and rear engined cars, in the dry or the wet, in F1, Sports or saloon cars. I saw him win at Monoco in '61 when driving a year old chassis, with an underpowered 4 cylinder engine, for a private entrant, he beat the full works team of the latest Ferraris.
For years he was respected as 'the man to beat', he was a gentleman and the ultimate sportsman - he was the greatest.
If You Have The Time Watch "MCLAREN TOONED" On YOUTUBE.
More To Come Until The End Of The Season.
Bob Allen - 12 years ago
12th Man: Tony Brooks
13th Man: Johnny Herbert
14th Man: Gerry Marshall (well, if he'd raced single-seaters he would have surely got to F1!)
PB Reeman - 12 years ago
To Mike Gibson. I saw 'Big John' overcook it on a supercharged BMW bike (at a Brands Festival) many years ago and take to the grass on the downhill stretch from Druids. The way that he kept that (valuable and rare) bike upright, got it slowed and then back on the tarmac of Cooper Straight before proceeding as though nothing had happened was masterful. No wonder he was 'competitive' at the 2010Goodwood Revival.
To A.S. Gilbert. Yes, JYS did an awful lot for driver and circuit safety - for cars. What is hugely overlooked is the short term disaster this was for bike riders. At many circuits used by both branches of the sport Armco barriers sprouted like weeds at every corner (and sometimes elsewhere). Trouble was the early barriers were placed so that crashing riders often partially slid under the Armco risking serious injury and at the worst decapitation or slicing off of limbs. In the pre-Armco period they would have hit (relatively) soft straw bales. JYS may not have been responsible for the design and installationof the Armco but his safety initiatives (which were to be applauded in principle) resulted in death and mayhem for some motorcyclists. Eventually run-offs,' kitty litter' and catch fences solved most of the dangers but for a few years racing motorcyclists had nothing to thank JYS for and were in more danger than prior to his initiatives. But money talked - car racing had more clout than bike racing with circuits and quick(ish) action prevailed over considered thought and experiment to find long term fixes that would satisfy everyone. Only when Armco was seen to not be the answer to all car dangers did better solutions arrive.
It is also interesting that modern, superior equivalents of straw bales still have a place in today's racing.
(My vote is for 'Big John' for his still unique bike/car world championship double)
ian fletcher - 12 years ago
You have to go with your own era really. The prominance of Jim Clark suggests something about the readership I suspect.
My era spanned from Mansell to current and for me, over that period the passion generated by Mansell has not been equalled; its easy to forget what it was like then. He was gritty and came up the hard way, full committment all the way. We watched him evolve from being accident prone to very fast and relatively clean. Bit full of himself but we forgive him that.
Lewis is great and possibley the quickest man out there now, great to watch, the modern day Villenueve though more measured and balanced these days.
Button, nice bloke, never the best.
JYS the best ambassador of the sport in my experience. Always there with intelligent comment that cuts through it, under-rated as a driver probably because he was undramatic, which is in fact the most effective way (prost being the all time master of that approach)
Chris Godden - 12 years ago
This was really difficult for me to choose until you added the 11th man. I followed Mansell as a teenager, marshalled the British GP in the Damon Hill era enjoy Hamilton's on the edge style and Button's seemingly laid back good humour in adversity, where he spends much time. Hawthorn is too long ago and his books didn't grab me like the Graham Hill ones did, the same for Clark really, he may have been the greatest ever but when you didn't see it live you have to rely on what's written. JYS, the only World Champion to wave and mouth thank you to me (I was marshalling at Donington in the rain and mud on my own, he drove past in the spectator enclosure). Surtees, bikes and cars says something, Hunt, I know him from his commentating more than his racing, the perfect foil for Murray, but Moss, he's been there all my life it seems and represents Britishness in this very British year. Cue the National Anthem.
Russ Taylor - 12 years ago
For me it is no contest - Jim Clark is my favourite British World Champion. Much as I very much rate and support all of the other Champions (and Stirling of course) Jim's speed, tenacity, mechanical sympathy, versatility, honesty, respect for his fellow competitors are beyond question. The respect and support he engendered in others was remarkable - he didn't ask for it - they gave it freely and in large measure. He was a star - F1, F2, FJ, Sports Cars, Indy, Stock Cars, Rallying in 1966 (Foot and Mouth put paid to 1967), Le Mans starts at Le Mans and Goodwood !!. Look at the stats - only Fangio and Ascari are on the same plane and Jim had so many failures while leading. Unbelievably thrilling. Nuff said?
DP - 12 years ago
Jenson Button???!! you must be joking... all he does is whine and complain... give him a less than perfect car, and he ends up at the back of the Grid... its a joke to include him here....whine, whine, whine... complain, complain, complain... such a Loser!!! Lewis is an outstanding driver, clearly one for the Record Books... able to win races or bring out the best in a car which is clearly not the fastest on the Grid... Lewis Hamilton -- all the way... one of the best F1 drivers... ever!!!
Michael - 12 years ago
Graham Hill for me. As mentioned he was the only driver to win the "Triple Crown". But beyond that was a wonderful personality who was a great diplomat for racing and Britain. And then there was the indomitable will, never say die attitude so perfectly displayed after his horrendous crash at Watkins Glen in 1969. Told he would never race again (and possibly never walk again), less than six months later he's back at the wheel of Rob Walker's Lotus and scores a point in the South African Grand Prix. Wonderful stuff. I would rank Clark and Stewart a very close second and third. A great era in racing.
Mick - 12 years ago
Has to be James Hunt because motor racing is about Man and Machine, Glitz and Glamour, Rivalry, danger, controversy, tension, personalities.
76 had it all, who remembers it, that great long hot summer.
Paid a quid to get into Brands including a programme.
Not just a race every couple of weeks with James it was all year round, full on entertainment, TV, newspapers. the lot.
Great stuff
RIP.
David Ruddick - 12 years ago
Of all the World Champions of my time 60's onwards- it has to be Jimmy Clark for his sheer artistry, his humility as a man, and the regard he was held in by his peers.
I have enjoyed all the Champions from Graham Hill - my first Grand Prix Silverstone 1969- that fabulous duel between Jochen and JYS- a shame either had to come second right through to Jenson and Lewis- both hugely enjoyable to watch at their best, even "Master James" at his most objectionable!, thankfully he redeemed himself with the microphone years later.
All in all many happy memories.
António Posser - 12 years ago
From that list i only see two "special ones", Clark and Hamilton, and my vote goes to Jim but what really impresses me is the poor votation in Lewis Hamilton, it´s dificult to understand the feeling that you people in Britain have towards him, in my point of view Lewis, when he is competting, is a mixture of Gilles and Senna, someone really special with a F1 in his hands and for me un obvious choice for all the ones who never saw Jim driving.
Before anyone says something about my English...i´m sorry.
Bill Howard - 12 years ago
I know that it is difficult to compare drivers from different era's but it has to be Stirling Moss for me. He drove all sorts of cars in all sorts of races and while i am not saying that modern drivers could not do that the fact is that Stirling did and was successful in all theatres of the sport. OK he was not a World Champion but he is on the list so that is good enough for me.
FERRARI - DAVE - 12 years ago
I have met most of yr candidates only Clark - tony Brooks -Hawthorn - Hill - Mansell - Ascari - Farina and Murry Walker turned out to be GENTLEMEN !!!!! rr ...Salvardori -Loverly man - as was Peter Collins and the very clever peter Whitehead
Ps Stefan Johansson did well from racin with us at oulton in a 79 Marlbro car FF 1600 - he then did F3 an went straight to......... dream @@@@@@
drivin for FERRARI Magnifico ''''' Best Ferrari driver ......Gilles of course
alanAustralia was awfal >>>>>(aussi spellingo) see you at SILVERSTONE at my age I
could be in the VIPee stand or - maybe the ARPee or - the REALLY GOT TO HAVE A PEE stand
Harry - 12 years ago
STIRLING MOSS ! Yeah, Yeah, I know but Stirling Moss is still the greatest champion of them all.
Geoff Crisp - 12 years ago
Jim was my hero in the 1960's.
He could win in a car that was without a clutch or some of its gears, other drivers would just give up. His driving precision and ability was unmatched in the wet and dry that would run circles around today's F1 drivers.
Something died with motor racing when he was killed, for me it was never the same.
I once had the pleasure of meeting Sir Stirling and he agreed Jim was the best alongside Fangio, enough said.
nick sharples - 12 years ago
I was introduced to motor racing in the 60"s.Oulton Park Gold Cup was always the big one.My memories are of Graham Hill contesting the Gold Cup then jumping into a saloon car immediately afterwards.Great stuff.My other memory is that wandering around the paddock,and over the years I got Graham Hill"s autograph 3 times.Jim Clark just looked the other way.
progeo - 12 years ago
Nigel Mansell who works very hard and never stopped, for his character, brave, elegant style and humor!
pommie john - 12 years ago
Wandering around the paddock in the early 70s, I, as a 14 year old with my first camera came upon Jackie Stewart deep in conversation with Ken Tyrrell. Seeing me raise my camera to my eye, Stewart stopped , smiled and waited until I had my shot before he carried on talking with Ken. Can you imagine that happening these days?
Ray Creese - 12 years ago
I was fortunate to be able to watch Formula 1 throughout the '60's.
Jimmy Clark was on another level!
I especially remember him in the saloon races, on the morning of the British Grand Prix at Brands! He drove a Lotus Cortina with such verve, three wheeling through (what is now) Surtees with his left front wheel way up in the air every lap.
Barry - 12 years ago
Damon - because he wrenched that car round when all Coulthard could do was as a also-ran - and he never really had the full support of Williams (Frank), and he had a massive rival to overcome.
E. A. Emerson - 12 years ago
My vote is for Mike Hawthorn, an unsung hero of the type that won the Battle of Britain. He wasn't the darling golden boy of his day like his nearest rival, but a brave playboy, dressed accordingly and out to have fun with a "knock the bugger off" attitude, like Sir Edmund Hillary. I watched Hawthorn race, and he sure took on some brutish machines, but still became a champion. He did it the hard way, for small rewards, not spoilt, cosseted or surrounded by safety equipment. He drove hard but very rarely pushed his cars or himself beyond the limit. I thought enough of him to name my son after him! I still cherish meeting him and give pride of place to the programme he signed for me and the pen he wrote it with.
Heaton Goff - 12 years ago
Stirling Moss. Greatest Grand Prix driver, probably, greatest racing driver, indubitably.
Enzo Ferrari said, only two men are on the plateau Tazio Nuvolari and Stirling Moss (And Moss never drove for him!)
I chose "Our Nige", as it was him who captured my imagination as a 6year old watching Formula One on TV. However, as Carl says I chose him as he was my "favourite". The greatest has to be a tough choice between Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark....perhaps cause for another poll?
GILLES, NIGE And LEWIS Are The Greatests From My Time.
James McGavin - 12 years ago
Has to be Jim Clark for me.
I've always admired those who can make what they do look smooth, controlled and easy. In terms of British drivers Clark was in a league of his own.
A modest and humble man but an artist of a driver.
Justin Frost - 12 years ago
A tough decision. For me, Stirling, Jimmy and Sir Jackie. As A.S Gilbert states above, JYS displayed huge 'head over heart' self control in his driving in a difficult era. Success in F1 does require this approach and 'dear lord' wouldn't it be more fun to chuck it sideways, shout for mum and enjoy. Unfortunately, as we know you just create friction and slow yourself down.
I do also believe that at Crystal Palace in 1966, JYS was entered in four different cars and won all four races!
Secondly, Sir Jackie's contribution to racing safety - for which he got considerably stick from some departments - is massively significant. So thus my vote goes to JYS. And I do recall, that has stated that Jimmy Clark was the best driver he 'ever' raced against.
Freddie Dack - 12 years ago
I have followed F1 since the early fifties and been privileged to see all of the nominated drivers race at various times. They all deserve the "Champion" accolade - especially Stirling Moss - but for my choice I have to nominate Jim Clarke who took Colin Chapmans lightweight and some would say dangerously flimsy (But aestheticly beautiful!) racing cars to so many victories not just in F1 but in various other classes as well. He had no large run off areas nor safety cells to rely on, just absolute skill and massive bravery. No wonder he was a multiple World Champion - and deservedly so.
What has always impressed me about Graham Hill was that he was never talked about in the same sentence as Jim Clark. I believe he is the only World Champion to win the Indianapolis 500, Le Mans and the F1 Championship. Has anyone else won the "Triple Crown"? If you had to take only one F1 race, it would have to Monaco, and he is stilll the triple crown winner.
Kudos also for Damon, it is one thing to have to fill big shoes, it is quite another to do it and do it with not always being number one in equipment or your own team. Graham accomplished more, but Damon got more from less. Quite remarkable.
Hitman Hack - 12 years ago
Lewis Hamilton. Only because when he arrived in F1 he was a drone. A McLaren corporate dreamboy who talked the talked and drove the car on the edge clinically lap after lap. Boring of course but then it all went wrong and McLaren suffered at the hands of Red Bull and Ferrari and Voila, Hamilton is a real human after all. His torrid year last year showed that he has feelings, can smile and can be sad and for some reason that really make me take to him. Especially the "Maybe it's because I'm black" comment". A man on his knees and in full public view and now he's back driving well but seems much more happy to show his emotions good and bad. I like that. Sorry but I'm too young to remember the earler greats so can't pass comment on them.
Winterspread - 12 years ago
Interested in the comments shown so far. I grew up within the sound of the old Crystal Palace motor racing circuit and when my parents moved in the late 60s I ended up about three quarters of an hour away from Brands.
On quite a few Thursdays I used to bunk school and take the train from Bromley and then hitch down to Brands for what I can only describe as open test days. The cars were so fragile then. I used to help with a tea and sarni pitch near the end of the pits and got to see the latest GP cars, Sports Prototypes, F2s, F3s etc. In the pits were the mechanics, team owners and of course the drivers. Some of the drivers were reserved, some were gregarious but without exception I don't think I can remember a driver at that time not saying "thank-you."
Prior to Brands I have a connection to the old Crystal Palace circuit, not only because I could hear the cars or bikes from my back garden but I was asked to help organise the St John Cadet brigade who did duty at the circuit. A lot of that time I spent in the paddock and pits and had the chance to see, meet and even say "Hello," to the likes of Jochen Rindt, Denny Hulme, Jim Clark and the man I would nominate for the title of favourite British World Champion. That man is Graham Hill. His skill in such diverse F1 cars let alone his ability in sports cars; remember the Rover BRM Gas Turbine cars at Le Man, his win in the Indy 500 and his win at Le Mans with Henri Pescarolo let alone his drives in so many other formula of that era.
The man was a Gentleman as well as one of the greatest drivers of all time. He deserves MotorSport's title of Favourte British F1 Champion. Correct me if I'm wrong, but who was the only Champion to take the "Triple Crown?". Graham Hill
Hugh Coster - 12 years ago
Jimmy was always superb and drove any kind of car better than anyone of his era. I could have voted for him, but Stirling takes it because in his era he was easily the equal and possibly even better than Jimmy - such artistry, balance and intelligence, often in underpowered or outdated cars which he still managed to beat the others in, never ever giving up. He was the ultimate professional racer in a very dangerous era, but at the same time such a gentleman and sportsman, which Jimmy was too. But I think Jimmy will take it because there are not so many of us old guys around now who remember Stirling in his prime. And in the end, they're both brilliant, and such an excellent example to today's modern petulant "sportsmen."
Carl - 12 years ago
I chose Hunt. My choice was more about personality and entertainment value than statistics. After all, as stated in the article... this is a poll of "favourites" not "the greatest".
Andrew Wilkins - 12 years ago
I've chosen Damon Hill as my favourite World Champion for several reasons. First & foremost because Damon is one of the relatively few drivers who won the title in a SPORTING way. By this I mean that even in the face of the British media portraying Damon as a bungling British hapless idiot pitched against the faultless German automaton, he never ONCE sounded-off against Schumacher; not even when Schumacher cheated and put Damon off the road. In addition, on occasions, Damon soundly bettered Schumacher in equal equipment such as the soaking two-part Japanese Grand Prix in 1994. Nor was Damon afraid to show his feelings, witness the tears at Monza after his costly error made a win impossible.
Damon's record of achievements speaks for itself without my inadequate words. Nowadays, having brought the massive egos in the BRDC to heel in a nice way and got them all pulling together instead of apart, he is one of our finest motor racing and British ambassadors.
Best Wishes,
Andrew
Bill Peel - 12 years ago
All of these drivers have given me so much excitement and pleasure - I admire them all.
For me, Stirling Moss stands out for so many exceptional and spirited "against the odds" drives over such a long period - the last being Monaco and the Nurburgring in 1961. I remember to this day the sense of loss to me with his final accident at Goodwood - he came back from so many "offs", especially Spa in 1960. The peak of my most intense interest was in the 1960's and I found it hard not to nominate Jim Clark, Graham Hill or John Surtees but you only gave us one choice!
Andy Burrows - 12 years ago
I voted for Jim without a second thought; the man could and did win in so many forms of circuit racing. I never cared for or watched circuit motor racing until Ford entered Jim Clark in a Ford Cortina into the 1967 RAC Rally here in Britain. I believe it was done as a publicity riposte to BMC, who had earlier put in an entry for Graham Hill [driving a Mini Cooper.]
Jim re-learned his earlier rally skills from his motor club origins in on-the job training on the first few days of the RAC. After one week that Ford Cortina was setting top 10 stage times and then some fastest stage times of day as well. He had climbed up from his mid-field seeding position into the top 10 before his "off". That week was when every RAC Rally fan in Britain started supporting Jim. Such ability and versatility.
And, after the car finally broke he drove a chase Ford Transit van for the rest of the rally; no wonder his mechanics worshipped him. Can you imagine any of the modern Formula 1 field doing this??
BTW - we heard no more of Graham; sank without trace and retired, if memory serves... rallying abilities................
AndyB.
Dave Pegler - 12 years ago
Like so many others on here I voted for my boyhood hero, Jim Clark, and was delighted to see him so far out front (just as he was in his day!) in this poll. Wouldn't it be fascinating to see what he could do in one of today's mega reliable cars as what his record doesn't show in the wins/races ratio is the number of races he was actually leading when his car packed up?
Alwyn Keepence - 12 years ago
Although I rate Jimmy Clark as the best, followed closely by Sir Jackie, I voted for Nigel Mansell. He is the one I enjoyed watching the most. Although it wasn't a Formula One race, his performance at the 1993 Surfers Paradise Indycar race was just great to watch. My grandstand seat was at the "beach-side esses" where he overtook so frequently.
Jenson Button's performance at the Australain Grand Prix this year was also superb, but in a more dominant fashion.
Steve Bass - 12 years ago
Jimmy Clark gets my vote. He was a unique talent and a wonderful human being. Inspirational! Nobody else gets close!
Esben Tipple - 12 years ago
Being that Damon Hill was my childhood hero, I would only be fooling myself by voting otherwise. Nevermind what people/statistics may or may not say about him, or any of the other drivers for that matter, because that's wholly irrelevant when it comes to this poll ;)
It has to be Jim Clark for me. My boyhood hero, every inch a proper hero for someone to look up to.
John Hill - 12 years ago
Rhys, thankfully we still in this country, like decent fair minded drivers that is why Jenson Button is ahead of his team mate!
My vote went to Jim Clark who was simply the best of British and arguably the best ever.
A.S. Gilbert - 12 years ago
From afar and over 45 years, I think Jackie Stewart earned my vote.
He was a superb driver in a very difficult era. Winning 27 of 99 GP races, when reliability was iffy, and track conditions perilous is remarkable.
Jackie did so much for motor racing safety, and his role as an ambassador to the business elite really opened doors to making Grand Prix racing the whole world sport it is today.
He survived, thrived and still gets mentioned, even among non enthusiasts when racing's on topic.
I cannot say that Clark or Moss weren't the best drivers, one sadly lost, and one retired before I attended races.
I've seen Moss, in exhibition, Graham Hill, late in career, Mansell and Button in action too. You can access the quality in each live, that TV never conveys. I still hold that the very best always get a particular sonic note out of the car, the lesser do not seem too.
Same tone in any era car, it's the driver not the machine, they all qualify.
Finally, I do support the idea that John Surtees should get a knighthood, certain worthy of it.
chris b - 12 years ago
just goes to confirm what i have always said, simply Jimmy was the best and no-one has come close., Nigel please note, incidentally why is he so popular and rated so highly?
Mike Gibbon - 12 years ago
Greatest driver - undoubtably Jim Clark who could drive & win in anything on four wheels, but his natural flair made it all so easy for him.
Greatest world champion - John Surtees, a gentleman of honour who ploughed his own furrow, lost a virtually certain championship in 66 when he wouldn't take that moron Dragoni & his politics & walked away breaking up the best car/driver combination of the year.
And nearly 50 years later he still has all the style & competitive spirit as anyone who was at the Goodwood Revival in 2010 can vouch for when the MG course car was on the ragged edge trying to stave off "Big John" on the MV Augusta (& he was only doing some parade laps!!!)
Also about time he got a knighthood.
Daphnet - 12 years ago
Jim Clark was the most beautiful driver. Stirling comes close and only didn't win the championship because he was such a gentleman. Loved the fire and pzazz of some of the others (Hawthorn, G.Hill, Hunt etc.) but my vote goes to the late Jim.
danderberg - 12 years ago
i am also surprised at jbs rating. i am a fan of his - but i would have thought mansel would have been more popular. i suspect it has something to do with jb being the most recent recipient of the title. for the record i voted for damon hill. that era was when i first started watching f1 and the rivlalry with the great schumacher added much excitement.
Rhys Edwards - 12 years ago
Jenson Button? Typical of this country. We love a good LOSER. Does no one watch F1 then?
Which Grand Prix event is considered the greatest test of driving skills?
Monaco, is it not?
My choice is the man that won it FIVE times, Graham Hill.
Jim Clark was the quintessential F1 racer. I wasn't even a teen yet in the 60's when I started following him - best I could at that time. Clark drew me in to F1 racing and a love of cars in general. When that James Garner movie - Grand Prix - opened in the sixties, I immediately made my dad take me to it. He had no idea I had become a racing fan. I told my father about Clark. I was hoping, through the movie, to get an idea of what this sport was really like. Clark's pure numbers are the best - 72 GP starts and 25 wins - that's astounding and he didn't make it to the seventies. He was modest and a gentlemen and I still get tears in my eyes when I think of him. A few years ago I read an article written by Franchitti (in a car magazine) which was a homage to Clark. Franchitti wrote about Clark in the same way fans like myself think of him. All the other drivers in your poll are excellent, but Clark was special. He had the perfect combination of extreme skill, modesty and was a great competitor. As I zoom around Mulholland in my 82 Spider (I can't afford more) I try to imagine Clark racing in F1. He was one of the greatest athletes of all time and the British rightfully so should be proud of Clark's accomplishments.
It has to be Jim Clark,I just wonder what Jimmy would have achieved if we had not been robbed of this fantastic talent way too early..
Sir Stirling had it all. He won effortlessly when he had the best car, and from behind when it was clearly not. He won in front and rear engined cars, in the dry or the wet, in F1, Sports or saloon cars. I saw him win at Monoco in '61 when driving a year old chassis, with an underpowered 4 cylinder engine, for a private entrant, he beat the full works team of the latest Ferraris.
For years he was respected as 'the man to beat', he was a gentleman and the ultimate sportsman - he was the greatest.
If You Have The Time Watch "MCLAREN TOONED" On YOUTUBE.
More To Come Until The End Of The Season.
12th Man: Tony Brooks
13th Man: Johnny Herbert
14th Man: Gerry Marshall (well, if he'd raced single-seaters he would have surely got to F1!)
To Mike Gibson. I saw 'Big John' overcook it on a supercharged BMW bike (at a Brands Festival) many years ago and take to the grass on the downhill stretch from Druids. The way that he kept that (valuable and rare) bike upright, got it slowed and then back on the tarmac of Cooper Straight before proceeding as though nothing had happened was masterful. No wonder he was 'competitive' at the 2010Goodwood Revival.
To A.S. Gilbert. Yes, JYS did an awful lot for driver and circuit safety - for cars. What is hugely overlooked is the short term disaster this was for bike riders. At many circuits used by both branches of the sport Armco barriers sprouted like weeds at every corner (and sometimes elsewhere). Trouble was the early barriers were placed so that crashing riders often partially slid under the Armco risking serious injury and at the worst decapitation or slicing off of limbs. In the pre-Armco period they would have hit (relatively) soft straw bales. JYS may not have been responsible for the design and installationof the Armco but his safety initiatives (which were to be applauded in principle) resulted in death and mayhem for some motorcyclists. Eventually run-offs,' kitty litter' and catch fences solved most of the dangers but for a few years racing motorcyclists had nothing to thank JYS for and were in more danger than prior to his initiatives. But money talked - car racing had more clout than bike racing with circuits and quick(ish) action prevailed over considered thought and experiment to find long term fixes that would satisfy everyone. Only when Armco was seen to not be the answer to all car dangers did better solutions arrive.
It is also interesting that modern, superior equivalents of straw bales still have a place in today's racing.
(My vote is for 'Big John' for his still unique bike/car world championship double)
You have to go with your own era really. The prominance of Jim Clark suggests something about the readership I suspect.
My era spanned from Mansell to current and for me, over that period the passion generated by Mansell has not been equalled; its easy to forget what it was like then. He was gritty and came up the hard way, full committment all the way. We watched him evolve from being accident prone to very fast and relatively clean. Bit full of himself but we forgive him that.
Lewis is great and possibley the quickest man out there now, great to watch, the modern day Villenueve though more measured and balanced these days.
Button, nice bloke, never the best.
JYS the best ambassador of the sport in my experience. Always there with intelligent comment that cuts through it, under-rated as a driver probably because he was undramatic, which is in fact the most effective way (prost being the all time master of that approach)
This was really difficult for me to choose until you added the 11th man. I followed Mansell as a teenager, marshalled the British GP in the Damon Hill era enjoy Hamilton's on the edge style and Button's seemingly laid back good humour in adversity, where he spends much time. Hawthorn is too long ago and his books didn't grab me like the Graham Hill ones did, the same for Clark really, he may have been the greatest ever but when you didn't see it live you have to rely on what's written. JYS, the only World Champion to wave and mouth thank you to me (I was marshalling at Donington in the rain and mud on my own, he drove past in the spectator enclosure). Surtees, bikes and cars says something, Hunt, I know him from his commentating more than his racing, the perfect foil for Murray, but Moss, he's been there all my life it seems and represents Britishness in this very British year. Cue the National Anthem.
For me it is no contest - Jim Clark is my favourite British World Champion. Much as I very much rate and support all of the other Champions (and Stirling of course) Jim's speed, tenacity, mechanical sympathy, versatility, honesty, respect for his fellow competitors are beyond question. The respect and support he engendered in others was remarkable - he didn't ask for it - they gave it freely and in large measure. He was a star - F1, F2, FJ, Sports Cars, Indy, Stock Cars, Rallying in 1966 (Foot and Mouth put paid to 1967), Le Mans starts at Le Mans and Goodwood !!. Look at the stats - only Fangio and Ascari are on the same plane and Jim had so many failures while leading. Unbelievably thrilling. Nuff said?
Jenson Button???!! you must be joking... all he does is whine and complain... give him a less than perfect car, and he ends up at the back of the Grid... its a joke to include him here....whine, whine, whine... complain, complain, complain... such a Loser!!! Lewis is an outstanding driver, clearly one for the Record Books... able to win races or bring out the best in a car which is clearly not the fastest on the Grid... Lewis Hamilton -- all the way... one of the best F1 drivers... ever!!!
Graham Hill for me. As mentioned he was the only driver to win the "Triple Crown". But beyond that was a wonderful personality who was a great diplomat for racing and Britain. And then there was the indomitable will, never say die attitude so perfectly displayed after his horrendous crash at Watkins Glen in 1969. Told he would never race again (and possibly never walk again), less than six months later he's back at the wheel of Rob Walker's Lotus and scores a point in the South African Grand Prix. Wonderful stuff. I would rank Clark and Stewart a very close second and third. A great era in racing.
Has to be James Hunt because motor racing is about Man and Machine, Glitz and Glamour, Rivalry, danger, controversy, tension, personalities.
76 had it all, who remembers it, that great long hot summer.
Paid a quid to get into Brands including a programme.
Not just a race every couple of weeks with James it was all year round, full on entertainment, TV, newspapers. the lot.
Great stuff
RIP.
Of all the World Champions of my time 60's onwards- it has to be Jimmy Clark for his sheer artistry, his humility as a man, and the regard he was held in by his peers.
I have enjoyed all the Champions from Graham Hill - my first Grand Prix Silverstone 1969- that fabulous duel between Jochen and JYS- a shame either had to come second right through to Jenson and Lewis- both hugely enjoyable to watch at their best, even "Master James" at his most objectionable!, thankfully he redeemed himself with the microphone years later.
All in all many happy memories.
From that list i only see two "special ones", Clark and Hamilton, and my vote goes to Jim but what really impresses me is the poor votation in Lewis Hamilton, it´s dificult to understand the feeling that you people in Britain have towards him, in my point of view Lewis, when he is competting, is a mixture of Gilles and Senna, someone really special with a F1 in his hands and for me un obvious choice for all the ones who never saw Jim driving.
Before anyone says something about my English...i´m sorry.
I know that it is difficult to compare drivers from different era's but it has to be Stirling Moss for me. He drove all sorts of cars in all sorts of races and while i am not saying that modern drivers could not do that the fact is that Stirling did and was successful in all theatres of the sport. OK he was not a World Champion but he is on the list so that is good enough for me.
I have met most of yr candidates only Clark - tony Brooks -Hawthorn - Hill - Mansell - Ascari - Farina and Murry Walker turned out to be GENTLEMEN !!!!! rr ...Salvardori -Loverly man - as was Peter Collins and the very clever peter Whitehead
Ps Stefan Johansson did well from racin with us at oulton in a 79 Marlbro car FF 1600 - he then did F3 an went straight to......... dream @@@@@@
drivin for FERRARI Magnifico ''''' Best Ferrari driver ......Gilles of course
alanAustralia was awfal >>>>>(aussi spellingo) see you at SILVERSTONE at my age I
could be in the VIPee stand or - maybe the ARPee or - the REALLY GOT TO HAVE A PEE stand
STIRLING MOSS ! Yeah, Yeah, I know but Stirling Moss is still the greatest champion of them all.
Jim was my hero in the 1960's.
He could win in a car that was without a clutch or some of its gears, other drivers would just give up. His driving precision and ability was unmatched in the wet and dry that would run circles around today's F1 drivers.
Something died with motor racing when he was killed, for me it was never the same.
I once had the pleasure of meeting Sir Stirling and he agreed Jim was the best alongside Fangio, enough said.
I was introduced to motor racing in the 60"s.Oulton Park Gold Cup was always the big one.My memories are of Graham Hill contesting the Gold Cup then jumping into a saloon car immediately afterwards.Great stuff.My other memory is that wandering around the paddock,and over the years I got Graham Hill"s autograph 3 times.Jim Clark just looked the other way.
Nigel Mansell who works very hard and never stopped, for his character, brave, elegant style and humor!
Wandering around the paddock in the early 70s, I, as a 14 year old with my first camera came upon Jackie Stewart deep in conversation with Ken Tyrrell. Seeing me raise my camera to my eye, Stewart stopped , smiled and waited until I had my shot before he carried on talking with Ken. Can you imagine that happening these days?
I was fortunate to be able to watch Formula 1 throughout the '60's.
Jimmy Clark was on another level!
I especially remember him in the saloon races, on the morning of the British Grand Prix at Brands! He drove a Lotus Cortina with such verve, three wheeling through (what is now) Surtees with his left front wheel way up in the air every lap.
Damon - because he wrenched that car round when all Coulthard could do was as a also-ran - and he never really had the full support of Williams (Frank), and he had a massive rival to overcome.
My vote is for Mike Hawthorn, an unsung hero of the type that won the Battle of Britain. He wasn't the darling golden boy of his day like his nearest rival, but a brave playboy, dressed accordingly and out to have fun with a "knock the bugger off" attitude, like Sir Edmund Hillary. I watched Hawthorn race, and he sure took on some brutish machines, but still became a champion. He did it the hard way, for small rewards, not spoilt, cosseted or surrounded by safety equipment. He drove hard but very rarely pushed his cars or himself beyond the limit. I thought enough of him to name my son after him! I still cherish meeting him and give pride of place to the programme he signed for me and the pen he wrote it with.
Stirling Moss. Greatest Grand Prix driver, probably, greatest racing driver, indubitably.
Enzo Ferrari said, only two men are on the plateau Tazio Nuvolari and Stirling Moss (And Moss never drove for him!)
I chose "Our Nige", as it was him who captured my imagination as a 6year old watching Formula One on TV. However, as Carl says I chose him as he was my "favourite". The greatest has to be a tough choice between Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark....perhaps cause for another poll?
GILLES, NIGE And LEWIS Are The Greatests From My Time.
Has to be Jim Clark for me.
I've always admired those who can make what they do look smooth, controlled and easy. In terms of British drivers Clark was in a league of his own.
A modest and humble man but an artist of a driver.
A tough decision. For me, Stirling, Jimmy and Sir Jackie. As A.S Gilbert states above, JYS displayed huge 'head over heart' self control in his driving in a difficult era. Success in F1 does require this approach and 'dear lord' wouldn't it be more fun to chuck it sideways, shout for mum and enjoy. Unfortunately, as we know you just create friction and slow yourself down.
I do also believe that at Crystal Palace in 1966, JYS was entered in four different cars and won all four races!
Secondly, Sir Jackie's contribution to racing safety - for which he got considerably stick from some departments - is massively significant. So thus my vote goes to JYS. And I do recall, that has stated that Jimmy Clark was the best driver he 'ever' raced against.
I have followed F1 since the early fifties and been privileged to see all of the nominated drivers race at various times. They all deserve the "Champion" accolade - especially Stirling Moss - but for my choice I have to nominate Jim Clarke who took Colin Chapmans lightweight and some would say dangerously flimsy (But aestheticly beautiful!) racing cars to so many victories not just in F1 but in various other classes as well. He had no large run off areas nor safety cells to rely on, just absolute skill and massive bravery. No wonder he was a multiple World Champion - and deservedly so.
What has always impressed me about Graham Hill was that he was never talked about in the same sentence as Jim Clark. I believe he is the only World Champion to win the Indianapolis 500, Le Mans and the F1 Championship. Has anyone else won the "Triple Crown"? If you had to take only one F1 race, it would have to Monaco, and he is stilll the triple crown winner.
Kudos also for Damon, it is one thing to have to fill big shoes, it is quite another to do it and do it with not always being number one in equipment or your own team. Graham accomplished more, but Damon got more from less. Quite remarkable.
Lewis Hamilton. Only because when he arrived in F1 he was a drone. A McLaren corporate dreamboy who talked the talked and drove the car on the edge clinically lap after lap. Boring of course but then it all went wrong and McLaren suffered at the hands of Red Bull and Ferrari and Voila, Hamilton is a real human after all. His torrid year last year showed that he has feelings, can smile and can be sad and for some reason that really make me take to him. Especially the "Maybe it's because I'm black" comment". A man on his knees and in full public view and now he's back driving well but seems much more happy to show his emotions good and bad. I like that. Sorry but I'm too young to remember the earler greats so can't pass comment on them.
Interested in the comments shown so far. I grew up within the sound of the old Crystal Palace motor racing circuit and when my parents moved in the late 60s I ended up about three quarters of an hour away from Brands.
On quite a few Thursdays I used to bunk school and take the train from Bromley and then hitch down to Brands for what I can only describe as open test days. The cars were so fragile then. I used to help with a tea and sarni pitch near the end of the pits and got to see the latest GP cars, Sports Prototypes, F2s, F3s etc. In the pits were the mechanics, team owners and of course the drivers. Some of the drivers were reserved, some were gregarious but without exception I don't think I can remember a driver at that time not saying "thank-you."
Prior to Brands I have a connection to the old Crystal Palace circuit, not only because I could hear the cars or bikes from my back garden but I was asked to help organise the St John Cadet brigade who did duty at the circuit. A lot of that time I spent in the paddock and pits and had the chance to see, meet and even say "Hello," to the likes of Jochen Rindt, Denny Hulme, Jim Clark and the man I would nominate for the title of favourite British World Champion. That man is Graham Hill. His skill in such diverse F1 cars let alone his ability in sports cars; remember the Rover BRM Gas Turbine cars at Le Man, his win in the Indy 500 and his win at Le Mans with Henri Pescarolo let alone his drives in so many other formula of that era.
The man was a Gentleman as well as one of the greatest drivers of all time. He deserves MotorSport's title of Favourte British F1 Champion. Correct me if I'm wrong, but who was the only Champion to take the "Triple Crown?". Graham Hill
Jimmy was always superb and drove any kind of car better than anyone of his era. I could have voted for him, but Stirling takes it because in his era he was easily the equal and possibly even better than Jimmy - such artistry, balance and intelligence, often in underpowered or outdated cars which he still managed to beat the others in, never ever giving up. He was the ultimate professional racer in a very dangerous era, but at the same time such a gentleman and sportsman, which Jimmy was too. But I think Jimmy will take it because there are not so many of us old guys around now who remember Stirling in his prime. And in the end, they're both brilliant, and such an excellent example to today's modern petulant "sportsmen."
I chose Hunt. My choice was more about personality and entertainment value than statistics. After all, as stated in the article... this is a poll of "favourites" not "the greatest".
I've chosen Damon Hill as my favourite World Champion for several reasons. First & foremost because Damon is one of the relatively few drivers who won the title in a SPORTING way. By this I mean that even in the face of the British media portraying Damon as a bungling British hapless idiot pitched against the faultless German automaton, he never ONCE sounded-off against Schumacher; not even when Schumacher cheated and put Damon off the road. In addition, on occasions, Damon soundly bettered Schumacher in equal equipment such as the soaking two-part Japanese Grand Prix in 1994. Nor was Damon afraid to show his feelings, witness the tears at Monza after his costly error made a win impossible.
Damon's record of achievements speaks for itself without my inadequate words. Nowadays, having brought the massive egos in the BRDC to heel in a nice way and got them all pulling together instead of apart, he is one of our finest motor racing and British ambassadors.
Best Wishes,
Andrew
All of these drivers have given me so much excitement and pleasure - I admire them all.
For me, Stirling Moss stands out for so many exceptional and spirited "against the odds" drives over such a long period - the last being Monaco and the Nurburgring in 1961. I remember to this day the sense of loss to me with his final accident at Goodwood - he came back from so many "offs", especially Spa in 1960. The peak of my most intense interest was in the 1960's and I found it hard not to nominate Jim Clark, Graham Hill or John Surtees but you only gave us one choice!
I voted for Jim without a second thought; the man could and did win in so many forms of circuit racing. I never cared for or watched circuit motor racing until Ford entered Jim Clark in a Ford Cortina into the 1967 RAC Rally here in Britain. I believe it was done as a publicity riposte to BMC, who had earlier put in an entry for Graham Hill [driving a Mini Cooper.]
Jim re-learned his earlier rally skills from his motor club origins in on-the job training on the first few days of the RAC. After one week that Ford Cortina was setting top 10 stage times and then some fastest stage times of day as well. He had climbed up from his mid-field seeding position into the top 10 before his "off". That week was when every RAC Rally fan in Britain started supporting Jim. Such ability and versatility.
And, after the car finally broke he drove a chase Ford Transit van for the rest of the rally; no wonder his mechanics worshipped him. Can you imagine any of the modern Formula 1 field doing this??
BTW - we heard no more of Graham; sank without trace and retired, if memory serves... rallying abilities................
AndyB.
Like so many others on here I voted for my boyhood hero, Jim Clark, and was delighted to see him so far out front (just as he was in his day!) in this poll. Wouldn't it be fascinating to see what he could do in one of today's mega reliable cars as what his record doesn't show in the wins/races ratio is the number of races he was actually leading when his car packed up?
Although I rate Jimmy Clark as the best, followed closely by Sir Jackie, I voted for Nigel Mansell. He is the one I enjoyed watching the most. Although it wasn't a Formula One race, his performance at the 1993 Surfers Paradise Indycar race was just great to watch. My grandstand seat was at the "beach-side esses" where he overtook so frequently.
Jenson Button's performance at the Australain Grand Prix this year was also superb, but in a more dominant fashion.
Jimmy Clark gets my vote. He was a unique talent and a wonderful human being. Inspirational! Nobody else gets close!
Being that Damon Hill was my childhood hero, I would only be fooling myself by voting otherwise. Nevermind what people/statistics may or may not say about him, or any of the other drivers for that matter, because that's wholly irrelevant when it comes to this poll ;)
It has to be Jim Clark for me. My boyhood hero, every inch a proper hero for someone to look up to.
Rhys, thankfully we still in this country, like decent fair minded drivers that is why Jenson Button is ahead of his team mate!
My vote went to Jim Clark who was simply the best of British and arguably the best ever.
From afar and over 45 years, I think Jackie Stewart earned my vote.
He was a superb driver in a very difficult era. Winning 27 of 99 GP races, when reliability was iffy, and track conditions perilous is remarkable.
Jackie did so much for motor racing safety, and his role as an ambassador to the business elite really opened doors to making Grand Prix racing the whole world sport it is today.
He survived, thrived and still gets mentioned, even among non enthusiasts when racing's on topic.
I cannot say that Clark or Moss weren't the best drivers, one sadly lost, and one retired before I attended races.
I've seen Moss, in exhibition, Graham Hill, late in career, Mansell and Button in action too. You can access the quality in each live, that TV never conveys. I still hold that the very best always get a particular sonic note out of the car, the lesser do not seem too.
Same tone in any era car, it's the driver not the machine, they all qualify.
Finally, I do support the idea that John Surtees should get a knighthood, certain worthy of it.
just goes to confirm what i have always said, simply Jimmy was the best and no-one has come close., Nigel please note, incidentally why is he so popular and rated so highly?
Greatest driver - undoubtably Jim Clark who could drive & win in anything on four wheels, but his natural flair made it all so easy for him.
Greatest world champion - John Surtees, a gentleman of honour who ploughed his own furrow, lost a virtually certain championship in 66 when he wouldn't take that moron Dragoni & his politics & walked away breaking up the best car/driver combination of the year.
And nearly 50 years later he still has all the style & competitive spirit as anyone who was at the Goodwood Revival in 2010 can vouch for when the MG course car was on the ragged edge trying to stave off "Big John" on the MV Augusta (& he was only doing some parade laps!!!)
Also about time he got a knighthood.
Jim Clark was the most beautiful driver. Stirling comes close and only didn't win the championship because he was such a gentleman. Loved the fire and pzazz of some of the others (Hawthorn, G.Hill, Hunt etc.) but my vote goes to the late Jim.
i am also surprised at jbs rating. i am a fan of his - but i would have thought mansel would have been more popular. i suspect it has something to do with jb being the most recent recipient of the title. for the record i voted for damon hill. that era was when i first started watching f1 and the rivlalry with the great schumacher added much excitement.
Jenson Button? Typical of this country. We love a good LOSER. Does no one watch F1 then?