Are F1 Drivers Short?

Formula 1 drivers are often perceived as being shorter than the average person, and there is some truth to this notion. While there is no strict height requirement for F1 drivers, the average height of the current grid is approximately 5’9″ (175 cm), which is slightly shorter than the global average male height of 5’11” (180 cm). Yuki Tsunoda, the shortest driver in the 2025 F1 season, stands at just 5’3″ (159 cm), further contributing to the perception that F1 drivers are on the shorter side.

With analysis from Twin, let’s get the long and the short of F1 driver heights…

2025 F1 Driver Heights

Here is a list of 2025 F1 drivers in order of height:

1. Alexander Albon – 1.86 m (6’1″)
2. Esteban Ocon – 1.86 m (6’1″)
3. George Russell – 1.85 m (6’0″)
4. Nico Hulkenberg – 1.84 m (6’0″)
5. Jack Doohan – 1.82 m (6’0″)
6. Lance Stroll – 1.82 m (6’0″)
7. Max Verstappen – 1.81 m (5’11”)
8. Gabriel Bortoleto – 1.80 m (5’11”)
9. Charles Leclerc – 1.79 m (5’10”)
10. Carlos Sainz – 1.78 m (5’10”)
11. Oscar Piastri – 1.78 m (5’10”)
12. Oliver Bearman – 1.77 m (5’10”)
13. Pierre Gasly – 1.77 m (5’10”)
14. Lando Norris – 1.76 m (5’9″)
15. Liam Lawson – 1.74 m (5’9″)
16. Fernando Alonso – 1.74 m (5’9″)
17. Lewis Hamilton – 1.74 m (5’9″)
18. Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 1.72 m (5’8″)
19. Isack Hadjar – 1.67 m (5’6″)
20. Yuki Tsunoda – 1.59 m (5’3″)

Average Height of F1 Drivers

The average height of the 2025 Formula 1 driver lineup is approximately 1.76 m (5’9″), which is slightly shorter than the global average male height of 1.80 m (5’11”). This average was calculated using the heights of all 20 drivers on the current grid.

When examining the distribution of heights, we find that 50% of the drivers fall within the range of 1.74 m (5’9″) to 1.80 m (5’11”), which is considered average height. However, there are notable outliers on both ends of the spectrum.

Historically, there have been even taller drivers in F1, such as Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, both standing at 1.84 m (6’0″). The tallest driver to have ever competed in Formula 1 is believed to be Hans Stuck, who raced in the 1970s and stood at an impressive 1.94 m (6’4″).

On the shorter end of the scale, some legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna and Fernando Alonso, both at 1.77 m (5’10”), and Michael Schumacher at 1.74 m (5’9″), have demonstrated that shorter stature is not a hindrance to success in Formula 1.

While the 2025 grid shows a slight trend towards shorter drivers compared to the global average, it is essential to note that height alone does not determine a driver’s ability or success in Formula 1. Other factors such as physical fitness, talent, and adaptability play crucial roles in a driver’s performance.

Historical Trends in F1 Driver Heights

Analyzing the historical trends in Formula 1 driver heights reveals interesting patterns and shifts over the decades. In the early years of Formula 1, during the 1950s and 1960s, driver heights varied considerably, with some notable tall drivers like Hans Stuck at 1.94 m (6’4″) and Wolfgang von Trips at 1.89 m (6’2″). However, the average height during this period was still lower than the global average.

As Formula 1 progressed into the 1970s and 1980s, the average driver height remained relatively consistent. Drivers such as Niki Lauda at 1.71 m (5’9″) and Nelson Piquet at 1.73 m (5’8″) were successful despite being shorter than the global average. However, there were also taller drivers like James Hunt at 1.85 m (6’1″) and Gerhard Berger at 1.83 m (6’0″) who achieved success during this era.

In the 1990s, the trend of shorter drivers continued, with champions like Alain Prost at 1.65 m (5’5″) and Michael Schumacher at 1.74 m (5’9″) dominating the sport. However, there were also successful taller drivers like Damon Hill at 1.82 m (6’0″) and David Coulthard at 1.83 m (6’0″).

The 2000s saw a slight increase in the average driver height, with champions like Fernando Alonso at 1.74 m (5’9″) and Kimi Räikkönen at 1.75 m (5’9″). However, there were also notable shorter drivers like Felipe Massa at 1.66 m (5’5″) and taller drivers like Mark Webber at 1.82 m (6’0″) who achieved success.

In the 2010s, the grid featured a mix of heights, with shorter drivers like Sebastian Vettel at 1.75 m (5’9″) and Lewis Hamilton at 1.74 m (5’9″) winning multiple championships, while taller drivers like Jenson Button at 1.82 m (6’0″) also achieved success.

Advantages of Being Shorter in F1

While being shorter than average is not a requirement for success in Formula 1, it can provide several potential advantages. These benefits are related to factors such as center of gravity, weight distribution, and physical fitness. However, it is essential to note that these advantages are not guaranteed, and taller drivers have also achieved great success in the sport. Here are some of the potential advantages of being a shorter F1 driver:

• Lower center of gravity: Shorter drivers tend to have a lower center of gravity in the car, which can improve stability and handling, particularly in high-speed corners and during rapid direction changes. A lower center of gravity reduces weight transfer and body roll, allowing for better tire contact with the track surface.
• Reduced frontal area: Shorter drivers occupy less space in the cockpit, which can lead to improved aerodynamics. A smaller frontal area results in less disruption to the airflow passing over and around the car, potentially contributing to better aerodynamic efficiency.
• Weight distribution: Formula 1 cars have a minimum weight limit that includes the driver. Shorter, lighter drivers allow teams to distribute ballast more strategically to optimize the car’s weight distribution and balance. This can help improve the car’s overall performance. Source: Formula 1 Technical Regulations
• Physical fitness: Shorter drivers may have an advantage in terms of maintaining their fitness levels, as they have less body weight to carry and a lower body mass index (BMI). This can be beneficial in a sport where drivers are subjected to high G-forces and need to maintain peak physical performance for extended periods.
• Ergonomics: The tight confines of a Formula 1 cockpit may be more accommodating for shorter drivers, allowing them to achieve a comfortable and efficient driving position more easily. This can help reduce fatigue and improve overall performance during long races.

Disadvantages of Being Taller in F1

While being taller than average does not preclude a driver from success in Formula 1, it can present some challenges. Taller drivers may face disadvantages related to weight distribution, aerodynamics, and ergonomics. However, it is essential to recognize that these challenges can often be overcome through careful engineering, customization, and adaptation. Here are some of the potential disadvantages taller F1 drivers may encounter:

• Weight distribution: Taller drivers typically weigh more than their shorter counterparts, which can affect the car’s weight distribution. This can be particularly challenging when trying to optimize the car’s balance and maintain the minimum weight limit set by the regulations.
• Cockpit ergonomics: The confined space of an F1 cockpit can be more challenging for taller drivers to navigate comfortably. They may have difficulty finding an optimal driving position that allows for efficient control of the car while minimizing fatigue. In the 1980s, Gerhard Berger’s height of 1.83 m (6’0″) required custom modifications to his car’s cockpit to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Center of gravity: A taller driver’s higher center of gravity can affect the car’s handling and stability, particularly in high-speed corners and during rapid direction changes. This is because a higher center of gravity can lead to increased weight transfer and body roll, reducing the car’s overall stability.
• Aerodynamic considerations: Taller drivers may face challenges related to aerodynamics due to their increased frontal area and the potential disruption of airflow over the car. This can be particularly problematic in Formula 1, where aerodynamic efficiency is crucial to performance. Teams may need to make adjustments to the car’s bodywork or seating position to minimize the impact of a taller driver on the car’s aerodynamics.

In the end, while taller drivers may face certain challenges in Formula 1, history has shown that with the right combination of talent, determination, and technical support, they can overcome these obstacles and leave a lasting impact on the sport, just as their shorter counterparts have done for decades.