On Sunday, Jack Doohan will experience the thrill of seeing the five red lights go out at his first home race in Formula One. However, he is far from the first Australian Driver to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. Australia has a rich legacy in F1, with its drivers leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Since Jack Brabham’s first world title in 1959, only two other Australians have won a championship, but their influence extends far beyond the silverware.
As the Australian Grand Prix opens the 2025 season, let’s take a look back at the legendary Australian F1 drivers who have carried the green and gold on the world stage.
Jack Brabham’s Legacy
Sir Jack Brabham is not only Australia’s first Formula One World Champion but also a true pioneer of the sport. Winning three titles in 1959, 1960, and 1966, he remains one of the most influential figures in F1 history. His 1966 championship win stands out as a unique achievement in motorsport: Brabham remains the only driver in history to win a Formula 1 title in a car bearing his name. The Brabham BT19 was designed and built by his team, Brabham Racing Organisation, a feat that is unlikely to ever be repeated.
Beyond his driving success, Brabham played a crucial role in shaping F1’s engineering landscape. As both a driver and an innovator, he revolutionized car design and talent development. His team went on to win two constructors’ championships and remained a fixture in Formula One until 1992. The impact of Brabham’s contributions is still evident today in modern race car engineering and driver development programs.
Alan Jones – The 1980 World Champion
Alan Jones became Australia’s second Formula 1 champion when he claimed the 1980 title with Williams. His aggressive driving style and no-nonsense personality made him one of the most formidable racers of his time. Jones’ championship also marked a turning point for Williams, securing the team’s first-ever drivers’ title and laying the foundation for its dominance in the 1980s and 1990s. His legacy remains as the driver who proved Williams could fight at the front, setting the stage for future greats to follow.
Mark Webber – The Red Bull Era (2002–2013)
Mark Webber spent 12 seasons in Formula One, racing for Minardi, Jaguar, Williams, and most notably Red Bull Racing. Though he never clinched a title, he finished third in the championship three times (2010, 2011, 2013) and won nine Grands Prix. Webber played a pivotal role in Red Bull’s rise to dominance, but his tenure at the team was defined by one of the most infamous intra-team rivalries in F1 history.
Webber and teammate Sebastian Vettel engaged in numerous on-track battles, but tensions reached a boiling point at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix during the now-iconic “Multi-21” incident. Webber was leading the race when Red Bull issued team orders instructing both drivers to hold the position. Vettel ignored the directive, overtook Webber, and won the race. The moment exposed a fractured relationship, with Webber later admitting that he never fully trusted Vettel or Red Bull’s management. Their rivalry remains one of the fiercest and most controversial in modern F1.
Daniel Ricciardo – The Smiling Assassin (2011–2024)
With 14 seasons in Formula 1, Daniel Ricciardo is Australia’s longest-serving F1 driver. A product of Red Bull’s junior program, he built a reputation for his fearless overtaking, particularly his late-braking maneuvers. Ricciardo won eight Grands Prix, securing his place as one of the most talented drivers of his generation.
After leaving Red Bull at the end of 2018, Ricciardo had mixed success with Renault and McLaren. While his victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix was a career highlight, his final seasons in F1 were marked by inconsistency. Despite this, his infectious personality and media presence kept him in the global spotlight, making him a fan favorite even as his results declined.
Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan – The Next Generation of Australian F1 Drivers
Oscar Piastri made his F1 debut in 2023 and quickly proved himself as a future star. With multiple podium finishes and a sprint race victory in his rookie season, he has already established himself as McLaren’s best hope for the future. His smooth driving style and ability to extract maximum performance from the car have drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest drivers.
Jack Doohan, meanwhile, will take his first steps into Formula One this season, making his home debut at the Australian Grand Prix. The son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, Jack has followed a different path, rising through the junior ranks to earn a place on the F1 grid. While his journey is just beginning, his strong performances in Formula Two and his close ties to Alpine have positioned him as one of Australia’s brightest young talents.
Australia has a rich history in Formula One, producing world champions, fierce competitors, and some of the most memorable moments in the sport. From Brabham’s pioneering spirit to Piastri’s undeniable talent, Australians have consistently made their mark. As the sun rises over Albert Park this weekend, one question remains: Who will be the next Australian to conquer Formula One?
Australian F1 Drivers Featured Image courtesy of Alpine F1 Team