Top 5 most popular drivers in the history of Formula One

#2 Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher is responsible for the glory run Ferrari enjoyed from 1999-2004. Photo: Getty Images

What made Michael Schumacher great was what made people like and hate him at the same time. Michael Schumacher was a driver who would go to any extent to win. Sometimes, that meant pushing the boundaries beyond acceptable limits as well.

What set Michael Schumacher apart, however, was his decision to join Ferrari after winning two titles at Benetton. At the time, Ferrari was, at best, a midfield team struggling to get back to its glory days.

Moving from a championship-winning team at Benetton to revive Ferrari was a decision many found hard to understand. In the initial years, Schumacher faced backlash as well, as he would be unable to win another title for five years. In 2000 however, Ferrari would turn a corner as Schumacher won his first-ever title with the team.

This would kick off an unprecedented five-year run of consecutive Championship triumphs for Schumacher. In the early 2000s, Formula One became synonymous with Michael Schumacher and his red Ferrari. His perseverance and hard work turned around the fortunes of Ferrari as it went on a six-year championship.

Despite an unflattering return to the sport with Mercedes after a few years away from Ferrari, Schumacher is considered to this day one of the best drivers to ever do it.