Which Formula One Drivers Have the Biggest Social Media Followings?

Formula One is one of the most watched sports in the world, and as such, the drivers competing on the most demanding tracks on the planet have plenty of followers on social media. With the ongoing 2024 season proving to be one of the most riveting in recent memory, the incredible numbers already posted will only continue to grow. 

Max Verstappen headed into the current campaign as the reigning triple-world champion after romping to the title in the last three seasons. It looked as though he would do the same and make it four straight this term, but Britain’s Lando Norris has thrown a spanner in the works. With his McLaren team building a rocket ship of a car throughout the year, the Brit is almost within striking distance of the Flying Dutchman, and their title battle looks set to go down to the wire. 

At the time of writing, Super Max currently finds himself 52 points clear of his rival with just six races remaining. As such then, it will come as no surprise to hear that the latest F1 betting odds make him a -190 betting favorite to claim the crown once again this term, with Norris just behind him at +130. Whoever emerges as champion will surely receive a welcome boost to their social media followings, but who are the current top dogs out on track? Let’s find out. 

Lewis Hamilton

Leading the pack is arguably the greatest drive in history, Lewis Hamilton. The British veteran has a staggering 37.4 million followers online, making him the most memorable face in the sport by some distance. He uses his platforms to offer fans a glimpse into his life both on and off the track, sharing everything from behind-the-scenes content at races to personal moments and advocacy for social causes. And of course, plenty of shots of his dog Roscoe, who even has his own Instagram account. 

In the cockpit, there has been no one better than the GOAT throughout history. His seven world championships are tied for most all-time alongside iconic German Michael Schumacher, while he also holds the record for most wins, podiums, pole positions, and fastest laps. 

After being controversially robbed of a record-breaking eighth world championship at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton embarked upon a two-and-a-half-year barren spell without a race victory, the longest of his career by some distance. Many wondered whether another win would come his way, but he put those doubts to bed at this year’s British Grand Prix, winning dramatically to claim a record-extending 104th win, a tally he would add to in Belgium a week later. He will be aiming to claim that eighth title next year when he moves from Mercedes to Ferrari. 

Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc is Ferrari’s current main man and next season he will be teammates with Hamilton at the Scuderia. Their relationship will be an interesting subplot to the 2025 campaign, and the powers that be in Maranello will be hoping the two get along better than Leclerc did with former teammate Sebastian Vettel. The two teammates collided on track numerous times throughout the 2019 and 2020 seasons, leading to the German four-time world champion’s exit from the team and the Monegasque star growing as lead driver. 

Courtesy of his dashing good looks and brilliance on track Leclerc has built up a mighty hail of 16.2 million followers, carving out a significant presence by sharing the highs and lows of his racing journey. And there have been plenty of both. For every incredible victory, there has been an almighty defeat, none more so than the 2022 season when countless victories were thrown away due to reliability issues or poor decision-making from the Ferrari pit wall. 

Despite the hindrances, Leclerc remains one of the most popular drivers on the grid. He has won seven races throughout his career, the most recent pair coming this season. He won on home turf at the Monaco Grand Prix, breaking his vaunted curse in the process. He then won on his team’s home turf at Monza to claim the Italian Grand Prix as well. While he is still on the hunt for his maiden world championship, at the tender age of just 26, that triumph will surely come. 

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen is the current dominant force in Formula One, and his follower count also packs a punch with an impressive 12.4 million. He has ruled over the grid with an iron fist in recent years, claiming three straight world titles and he looks well on course for an eighth this term. He won seven of the first ten races to start this season, and it looks as though that will be enough to carry him through to the title. 

Known for his aggressive driving style, Super Max leverages his social media to showcase his competitive nature and dedication to the sport. His content often includes race highlights, training regimes, and interests, providing a well-rounded view of his life. There is also plenty of content on Verstappen playing online racing games, something that Esports aficionados will surely enjoy.