11 F1 Drivers with Insane Instagram Followings You Won’t Believe

Saajan JogiaMay 10, 2025

8 minutes read

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, much of the action isn’t just on the track but also on social media, where drivers connect with fans and share their journeys with millions. Instagram has become a critical platform for these race car superstars, offering glimpses into their races, personal lives, and the electric atmosphere of F1. In this article, we delve into the Instagram powerhouses of the 2025 F1 season, ranking the drivers by their massive followings and engaging content that keeps fans around the globe hooked.

Table of Contents

11. Valtteri Bottas

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes’ reserve driver for the 2025 F1 season, has seen his Instagram following soar thanks to his quirky posts and candid personality. With nearly 4.8 million followers as of May 2025, Bottas keeps fans engaged with travel snapshots, humorous videos, and behind-the-scenes paddock moments.

10. Esteban Ocon

10-Second Stop-and-Go Penalty for Pit Lane Infractions — Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; BWT Alpine driver Esteban Ocon (31) during media availabilities at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

French Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon has built a strong social media presence with 3 million followers on Instagram as of February 2025. The Alpine team driver shares regular updates from races, personal moments, and even attended Bearcon 2025 which garnered over 552K likes. Ocon, who has competed in 161 Grand Prix with 1 win and 4 podiums, continues to grow his digital fanbase while racing in the 2025 season.

9. Pierre Gasly

Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine F1 Team on the grid. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 3, Australian Grand Prix, Sunday 24th March 2024. Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.

Pierre Gasly, currently racing for Alpine F1, is a social media favorite with over 5.5 million Instagram followers. Renowned for his 2020 Italian Grand Prix victory, Gasly posts regularly about his races, training, and lifestyle, fostering a strong bond with fans all over the world.

8. George Russell

George Russell (Alternative Estimate) - $18 million — Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver George Russell (63) celebrates his race victory of the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

George Russell, Mercedes’ rising star, has built a strong social media presence, boasting over 7 million followers on Instagram as of May 2025. Fans love his behind-the-scenes paddock content and insights into his racing life. Russell’s recent performances, including multiple podiums in 2025, keep his popularity soaring.

7. Sergio Pérez

Sergio Pérez (Alternative Estimate) - $14 Million — Source: https://www.redbull.com

The Mexican driver, known as “Checo,” boasts over 8 million Instagram followers. After parting ways with Red Bull Racing in December 2024 following a four-year stint that included 6 race wins and 39 podiums, Pérez is now reportedly in talks with several F1 teams for the 2026 season, with Cadillac rumored to be particularly interested in signing him.

6. Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso (Alternative Estimate) - $18 Million — Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso arrives in the paddock at the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

The veteran two-time world champion remains a powerful social media presence with 7.3 million Instagram followers as of May 2025. Despite not winning championships in the last two decades, Alonso maintains a massive following due to his exceptional driving ability. At 43, he’s the oldest bachelor on the grid and regularly shares racing content and personal moments with fans.

5. Lando Norris

Lando Norris (Alternative Estimate) - $20 million — Oct 19, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; McLaren Formula 1 Team driver Lando Norris (4) of Team Great Britain walks into the track before the Sprint Race in the 2024 Formula One US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Lando Norris has rapidly climbed the F1 ranks since his 2019 debut with McLaren. The British driver celebrated his first Grand Prix victory at Miami in 2024 and helped McLaren secure the Constructors’ Championship. With 9.9 million Instagram followers as of May 2025, his popularity continues to rise, especially after finishing as championship runner-up in 2024.

4. Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz, the Spanish racing talent now driving for Williams Racing, boasts over 11 million Instagram followers as of May 2025. Known as the “Smooth Operator,” Sainz has accumulated 4 career wins and 27 podiums across his 11 seasons in Formula 1. His best championship finish was 5th place, achieved three times in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

3. Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen (Alternative Estimate) - $55 Million — Oct 19, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) of Team Netherlands smiles to the crowd during a fan forum before the Sprint Race in the 2024 Formula One US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The reigning F1 world champion has amassed 14 million followers on Instagram as of May 2025, ranking third behind Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The Dutch driver, who recently welcomed his daughter Lily, continues to dominate both on track and social media with an impressive engagement rate of 4.05% and average likes of 564.6K per post.

2. Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - $34 million — Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) during media availabilties at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s star driver from Monaco, boasts over 18 million Instagram followers, making him the most followed non-champion in F1. Known for his racing prowess and charismatic personality, Leclerc connects with fans through behind-the-scenes content and engaging Reels, fueling rapid audience growth.

1. Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton — Lewis Hamilton at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Ferrari Press Image

The seven-time F1 world champion leads the pack with a staggering 40 million Instagram followers as of May 2025. Hamilton’s social media presence dwarfs his competitors, with more than double the following of Charles Leclerc (17.5 million), who ranks second. His engagement rate stands at 3.39%, averaging 1.3 million likes per post.

Conclusion:

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 16: Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Yuki Tsunoda of Japan driving the (22) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202503160082 // Usage for editorial use only //

From the legendary Lewis Hamilton to rising talents like Charles Leclerc, these Formula 1 drivers not only battle on the track but also command significant attention online. Their ability to engage millions across the digital landscape speaks volumes about the sport’s global appeal and the drivers’ star power. As they share their journeys, victories, and personal milestones with fans, these drivers continue to fuel the sport’s growth and their own online legacies, proving that in F1, social media has become nearly as important as speed.