Formula 1: Taking a look at the most successful cars ever

Formula 1 is considered one of the few sports which draw interest from almost all corners of the world. The excitement and energy involved at every stage make watching an F1 race an enthralling experience. Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are two racers who are considered legends of the sport, on the back of excellent performances and domination through thick and thin. These sportsmen are extremely well-known examples of drivers who have made their mark in the world of Formula 1. However, it is certainly not common to see fans who possess concrete knowledge about cars that are considered the most successful in the sport. Its time to pay these marvellous machines the respect they deserve.

Let’s take a look at four cars that deserve the honour of being in contention for that crown, with the list presented in chronological order rather than as a form of ranking.

McLaren-Honda MP4/4: The McLaren MP4/4 is arguably the greatest car in the history of Formula 1. It won 15 races out of a total 16 in the 1988 F1 season in the hands of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, and boasts a victory percentage of 93.8. Designed by American engineer Steve Nichols, the car drew praise from Hamilton who drove it on popular show Top Gear. The former McLaren F1 driver expressed his love for the vehicle, terming the day as one of the best in his life. He further stated that his dream of driving the car had finally been fulfilled.

Ferrari F2002: The Ferrari F2002 won 14 out of 15 races in the 2002 season, helping the premier brand maintain its dominance. Boasting of a 3.0-litre V10, it also featured an innovative clutchless gearbox that was quite tiny, permitting the rear to be easily packaged as per the requirements of designer Rory Byrne. The supremacy of the F2002 enabled Ferrari to win the Constructors’ Championship with nearly triple the number of points in comparison to their nearest challengers Williams.

Mercedes W07 Hybrid: The Mercedes W07 Hybrid registered 19 race triumphs in the 2016 season, securing a win rate of 90.4 percent. Hamilton enjoyed great success while driving the car, emerging victorious 10 times which includes two separate runs of four triumphs in a row. Teammate Nico Rosberg registered the remaining nine wins. The Mercedes W07 Hybrid was powered by the PU106C engine, and is considered one of the most iconic cars in the world of F1 so far.

Williams FW18: Williams FW18 has been hailed as the best Formula One car ever designed by Williams, who have created some incredible machines over the years. The FW18 registered 12 race wins during the course of the 1996 F1 season, with eight of those triumphs accounted for by British driver Damon Hill. The remaining were registered by his Canadian teammate Jacques Villeneuve. Williams emerged victorious in the Constructors’ Championship accumulating 175 points out of a total 256 points, with Hill winning the driver’s title and Villeneuve finishing second.