Formula 1, beyond its thrilling races, technological marvels, and iconic drivers, is a treasure trove of memorable quotes that capture the spirit, drama, humor, and essence of the sport.
These statements, often made in the heat of the moment or reflecting on monumental milestones, provide an intimate glimpse into the minds of those who’ve lived and breathed the high-octane world of F1 racing.
From candid admissions, funny retorts, to poignant reflections and fiery replies, these quotes not only offer an insight into the sport’s rich history but also highlight the passion, dedication, and sometimes even the humor, that define the personalities behind the helmets and pit walls.
Famous F1 Quotes
Who better to start quoting then one of the fathers of F1, Enzo Ferrari!
Enzo Ferrari: “Aerodynamics are for people who can’t build engines.”
In 1960, the founder of Formula 1’s most celebrated team reportedly commented on the unusual windscreen of his Ferrari 250TR for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
That might have held water back then, but today’s F1 cars require more than just a robust engine to clinch the championship. Just look at Ferrari in 2019: despite boasting the most potent engine (which some argue was due to a questionable interpretation of the engine regulations), they still couldn’t best Mercedes.
Funny F1 Quotes
Jeremy Clarkson
“Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary… that’s what gets you.”
Pastor Maldonado
“I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.”
Murray Walker
“Michael, without Bridgestone today would you win or would you lose. How do you think?”
Michael Schumacher’s response – “The car won’t go anywhere without tires!”
and
“There are seven winners of the Monaco Grand Prix on the starting line today, and four of them are Michael Schumacher.”
Max Verstappen
“Money may not buy happiness, but I’d rather cry in a Ferrari.”
Brundle and Coulthard Discussing Lewis Hamilton
Brundle – “Hamilton’s as sharp as a kumquat out there.”
Coulthard – “Are kumquat’s sharp then?”
Brundle – “I have no idea; it was just my word to get into the broadcast today.”
One Of the Croatian TV’s F1 Commentators
And the race started , it was a poor start… but what the h… is going on??? no one overtaking no one!… just look at them… they are driving swerves. they are so slow…. is this some kind of a strike … this is scandal this is scandal … I don’t remember seeing that…”
(A minute of silence and then …)
“Dear spectators I am sorry, this was just a warm-up lap!”
Mario Andretti Having the Anti-Rollbar Setting Button Explained
Mechanic Explaining to Andretti: “Mario, always remember, when you pull it in it’s stiff, when you pull it out it’s soft”
Inspirational F1 Quotes
Lewis Hamilton: “As a driver, you’ve always got to believe in your heart that you’ve got what it takes to win it. You’ve always got to believe in yourself. We always got to arrive on the day and believe it can happen. You’ve always got to believe in the positives.”
F1 Quotes From Drivers
Throughout the years F1 drivers have produced some memorable quotes.
Fernando Alonso F1 Quotes
Fernando Alonso: “He pushed me off the track; you have to leave the space. All the time you have to leave the space…OK.”
Mario Andretti F1 Quotes
Mario Andretti : “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.”
Jenson Button F1 Quotes
Jenson Button : “My biggest career achievement is still being able to fit into my racing overalls after Christmas.”
Jim Clark F1 Quotes
Jim Clark: “It’s all part of it. If there was nothing to be frightened of, any silly bugger could get in the motor car.”
David Coulthard F1 Quotes
Coulthard: “Next Year Is My Year” – link
(Sadly, Mika Hakkinen came in 1st again and David only came in 4th in the world championship. Coulthard never won a championship. His best result was in 2001 when he came second.)
and
Coulthard: “Everyday life isn’t fair despite us all wanting it to be fair. F1 isn’t fair. It’s a meritocracy based on not only who has got the money to spend but it’s about how to spend that money.”
Lewis Hamilton F1 Quotes
Hamilton: “I did a good job today, but the guys ahead did a better job at being in front of me.”
Lewis Hamilton after being called into the stewards for the 5th time: “Maybe it’s because I’m black.”
James Hunt F1 quotes (as a TV presenter)
James Hunt: “Jean-Pierre Jarier, has a mental age of 10”
And
James Hunt : “For being himself he [Jean-Pierre Jarier] should have a permanent suspension”
Daniel Ricciardo Quotes
Daniel Ricciardo: “Sometimes you’ve just got to lick the stamp and send it.”
While Daniel might come across as easy-going off the track, there’s no doubt that he’s all business on it. Daniel Ricciardo is a force to be reckoned with when he’s behind the wheel.
A prime example of the laid-back Aussie’s skill was his triumphant win at the 2018 Chinese Grand Prix. Capitalizing on several bold overtakes, he clinched an unexpected victory for Red Bull.
And who could forget these memorable words he shared post-race?
Michael Schumacher Quotes
Michael Schumacher: “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.”
Ayrton Senna Quotes
Senna: “If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you’re no longer a racing driver.”
Ayrton Senna was relentless in chasing victory, even if it meant crossing the lines of sportsmanship. In a heated interview with Jackie Stewart, Senna once alluded to a particularly contentious moment at the onset of the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix.
Frustrated that race officials didn’t honor an agreement to position pole on the ‘clean’ side of the track, Senna didn’t give an inch at the first turn, colliding with his fierce adversary, Prost. This move secured the championship for the Brazilian.
Max Verstappen Quotes
Max Verstappen: “In the end, I think in F1 it is very hard for a girl’”
Sebastian Vettel Quotes
Sebastian Vettel: “Honestly, what are we doing here? Racing or ping pong?”
Team Management Quotes
The team principals and management have also been known to make a statement or two!
Ron Dennis quotes
Ron Dennis speaking of Flavio Briatore: “I have never known of anyone who won so many motor races while knowing so little about motor racing.”
Helmut Marko Quotes
“These are all strong young men in really good health. That way they would be prepared whenever the action starts. And you can be ready for what will probably be a very tough championship once it starts.”
Helmut Markel suggested that all the Red Bull drivers should be infected with Corona before the season started. Needless to say, Red Bull quickly counted the suggestion.
Christian Horner Quotes
‘Max Watches the TVs While Leading Races’
Toto Wolff Quotes
“F1 needs Ferrari much more than Ferrari needs F1.”
Toto Wolff, made this statement in response to Ferrari’s prior warnings about possibly exiting F1 due to disputes with Liberty Media. And he’s spot on. Ferrari has raced in F1 from its earliest days and remains an intrinsic piece of the sport’s tapestry.
Without Ferrari, F1 wouldn’t be the spectacle it is today. Hailing from Maranello, this Italian squad is arguably the most recognized team and automotive brand in the world. Mention F1, and one instantly thinks of Ferrari, and the reverse holds true.
Should Ferrari ever depart from F1, the sport would undeniably lose a chunk of its soul, and the repercussions could be significant.
“We did not suddenly take a stupid pill with the W13.”
On speaking about why the 2022 Mercedes car was not competitive.
Murray Walker F1 Quotes
“Unless I’m very much mistaken… I am very much mistaken!”
A beloved voice of Formula 1 for over two decades, Murray Walker captivated fans globally with his animated commentary and charming missteps. Renowned for his unbridled passion during pivotal racing moments, Walker had the ideal counterpart in the cool and direct 1976 World Champion, James Hunt.
The duo shared the commentator’s booth for 13 years until Hunt’s tragic passing. Sadly, Walker passed away in 20021 at the grand old age of 97.
On Nigel Mansell
Murray Walker: “Mansell is slowing it down, taking it easy. OH NO HE ISN’T!!! IT’S A LAP RECORD!!“
On Ferrari Red Light
Murray Walker: “There’s a fiery glow coming from the back of the Ferrari”
James Hunt: “No Murray, that’s his rear safety light”
On Alain Prost Racing at Monaco
Murray Walker: “And there are flames coming from the back of Prost’s car as he enters the swimming pool.”
On Modern Cars
Murray Walker: “There’s a car coming into the pits now, they’re so unreliable with all those electronics on board”.
James Hunt: “Actually, Murray, one of his wheels has just fallen off!”
On watching a replay of David Coulthard Racing
Murray Walker: And Coulthard is now on the inside, AND HE’S GOING THROUGH!!! (Add appropriate excitement)
Martin Brundle: That’s a replay, Murray.
