A Lineup of F1 Drivers with Millions of Followers, a Sport that is Now More Inclusive - Not Just for Guys

F1 is currently not just about sports on the racetrack. F1 has now become a fashion and marketing platform that attracts many brands. Drivers and their partners often appear in eye-catching outfits, both in the paddock and on social media. F1 drivers are often invited to various events involving world-class celebrities and fashionistas. Like Lewis Hamilton, who is regularly invited to the MET Gala, and Carlos Sainz, who was recently invited to attend the Cannes Film Festival. Brands like Louis Vuitton also collaborate with F1 to create trophies for the Grand Prix in Texas. Meanwhile, Lego makes life-sized cars that are driven by the drivers at the Miami Grand Prix.

One of the most popular F1 drivers in the world today is Max Verstappen. This three-time F1 world champion has 14.2 million followers on Instagram. Max's fans are very militant and loyal.

The F1 driver with the most followers on Instagram right now is Lewis Hamilton. He has 39.5 million followers and his name is known not only in the sports world but also among world-class fashionistas. Lewis is the brand ambassador for several renowned fashion brands, such as Tommy Hilfiger and Valentino. His style in the paddock is always fashionable, and even his beloved dog is stylish. It's no wonder that many F1 fans refer to Lewis as a walking fashion statement in the paddock.

George Russell is the definition of a "complete package": smart, polite, handsome, and talented. Since joining Mercedes, he has been referred to as Hamilton's heir. Russell has an elegant and professional aura, which makes him suitable to be the ambassador for various renowned brands.Although he is not yet as popular as Hamilton online, Russell has already gathered 6.2 million loyal followers. He rarely makes sensational appearances, but excels in content that showcases his intelligence—whether explaining racing strategies, sharing opinions, or voicing driver safety issues.

Charles Leclerc is the prince of Ferrari in both a literal and figurative sense. This Monaco-born driver has become the face of a new generation of F1 since joining the iconic team. With his handsome face, warm personality, and honest way of speaking, Leclerc easily attracts 17.8 million followers on Instagram.Leclerc is not only a great driver but also skilled at building emotional connections with fans. His touching life story—losing his father and close friend Jules Bianchi at a young age—makes him a beloved figure in the public eye. He presents himself as a strong yet sensitive figure, and that sets him apart.

Oscar Piastri may be just a few seasons into F1, but this young Australian driver has already caught the attention of many. He doesn't explode on social media like Lando, but his calm style and racing quality speak volumes. Currently, he has 3.2 million followers on Instagram—an impressive number for a rookie.Piastri is known as a hard worker who doesn't say much. However, his impressive performance since debuting with McLaren has led many to nickname him the "future world champion." His presence adds a new color to the F1 grid, which is now more diverse in terms of character.

Carlos Sainz, now racing for Williams after his career with Ferrari, is known as one of the most consistent and intelligent drivers on the grid. The son of rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr., he inherits his father's discipline and calmness, but also brings a modern lifestyle that is familiar in social media.With over 11 million followers on Instagram, Sainz exudes the charm of the ‘boy next door’—relaxed and relatable. He is not the sensational type, but that is precisely his strength: a calm demeanor, a natural sense of humor, and high dedication make him a figure easily liked by all circles.

Lando Norris is a star shining in F1 with his laid-back style. This McLaren driver is popular among teenagers and young adults, not only for his performance on the track but also for his activities on Twitch, YouTube, and funny content on TikTok.With 9.4 million followers on Instagram and a very loyal digital fanbase, Norris has established himself as an icon of the new generation. He even has his own brand called Quadrant—a combination of esports, streetwear, and motorsport. Funny, spontaneous, and honest, Norris is an example of how social media can enhance an athlete's persona without losing integrity.