Formula 1 drivers spend their race weekends behind the wheel of the most advanced racing machines on the planet. With over 1,000 horsepower, extreme aerodynamics and performance levels far beyond road-legal cars, Formula 1 machinery sits at the absolute peak of automotive engineering.
But being a Formula 1 driver involves far more than simply racing on Sundays. Sponsorship commitments, media appearances, simulator sessions and commercial events leave little room for everyday life, including time spent driving regular road cars.
Still, many Formula 1 drivers maintain impressive personal car collections, ranging from practical daily drivers to rare hypercars and classic icons. Here is a closer look at what some of the sport’s biggest names drive away from the circuit.
Lewis Hamilton — From Electric Mercedes to Rare Hypercars
Lewis Hamilton’s garage is exactly what you might expect from a seven-time World Champion: diverse, exclusive and highly desirable.
During his Mercedes years, Hamilton frequently used the Mercedes EQC as a daily driver, reflecting his interest in electrification and sustainability. Since joining Ferrari, he has also been seen driving several Ferrari road cars.
Beyond manufacturer ties, Hamilton owns some truly remarkable machines, including a Mercedes-AMG G63, a bespoke Pagani Zonda 760LH and a classic Shelby Cobra.
Few Formula 1 drivers have a garage quite as eclectic as Hamilton’s.
Max Verstappen — Performance First, Always
Max Verstappen’s road car choices reflect his no-nonsense approach to driving.
The reigning champion is often seen in Aston Martin models such as the DB11 and DBX, but he also has a clear soft spot for fast, practical performance cars. Verstappen has regularly been spotted driving Audi Avant models, reinforcing his preference for understated speed.
That said, practicality does not always win. Verstappen has also been seen around Monaco in a Porsche 911 GT3 RS and a Ferrari 488 Pista.
Charles Leclerc — Ferrari Passion On and Off Track
For Charles Leclerc, Ferrari passion does not end when he steps out of the cockpit.
The Monégasque driver is frequently spotted driving Ferrari road cars around Monaco, with the SF90 Stradale and Ferrari Roma among his most recognisable choices.
Leclerc’s collection is not purely exotic, however. He also owns a Jeep Grand Cherokee, adding a more practical SUV option to his garage.
Carlos Sainz — A Petrolhead with Practical Taste
Carlos Sainz has long shown appreciation for performance cars that blend excitement with everyday usability.
The Spaniard has often been seen driving a Renault Mégane RS, a hot hatch beloved by driving enthusiasts. Like Verstappen, Sainz is also known to be an Audi fan and owns an Audi RS6 — one of the most respected performance estates on the market.
His garage also includes a Volkswagen Golf, proving even Formula 1 drivers appreciate simplicity.
Fernando Alonso — Exotic Machines and Unexpected Choices
Fernando Alonso’s garage combines supercar glamour with surprising practicality.
Like Sainz, Alonso has been linked to the Renault Mégane RS as a preferred daily driver. But his collection also includes several high-end performance cars, including a McLaren 720S, Ferrari 458 Italia and Aston Martin DBX.
Despite that, Alonso is not particularly enthusiastic about daily driving.
Lando Norris — Supercars and Everyday Comfort
Lando Norris represents a younger generation of Formula 1 drivers with a similar appreciation for balanced performance.
Norris regularly uses an Audi RS6 as a daily car, combining practicality with serious performance. He also owns a McLaren 720S, alongside a far more modest Mini Cooper.
It is a combination that perfectly reflects the contrast between supercar appeal and daily usability.
What Do Formula 1 Drivers Think About Road Cars?
Driving a Formula 1 car fundamentally changes your perspective on speed.
Going from an 800-kilogram machine producing over 1,000 horsepower to a two-tonne road car filled with electronic driver aids can feel underwhelming — even when that road car produces 400 horsepower or more.
That may explain why some Formula 1 drivers are surprisingly indifferent to road cars.
Lewis Hamilton, for example, rarely drives himself in daily life and often prefers using a chauffeur.
Kimi Räikkönen perhaps summed it up best:
“I don’t really care about normal cars. Once you drive an F1 car, nothing else really excites you.”
Fernando Alonso has also described daily driving as more of a chore than a pleasure, often choosing to cycle instead. Sebastian Vettel shares a similar view, saying he has little interest in unnecessary acceleration on public roads.
