Top Gear has been renowned for its exciting segments featuring Formula 1 drivers pushing ordinary cars to their limits on the show’s famous test track. Over the years, many of the sport’s most illustrious names have taken on the challenge, showcasing their driving acumen in the ‘Star in a Reasonably Priced Car’ segment. This article ranks some of the most memorable appearances by F1 drivers on Top Gear, highlighting their impressive lap times and standout moments.
12. Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo holds the record as the fastest F1 driver on Top Gear’s “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” leaderboard. In 2015, he clocked an impressive 1:42.2 around the Dunsfold track in the Suzuki Liana—beating Lewis Hamilton’s previous benchmark and celebrating with trademark enthusiasm.
11. Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton appeared on Top Gear twice, first setting a 1:44.7 lap in wet conditions, and later returning to clock a remarkable 1:42.9 in the dry—beating Sebastian Vettel’s time and placing second only to Daniel Ricciardo on the F1 leaderboard. His quick laps were a highlight for fans.
10. Mark Webber
A two-time Top Gear guest, Mark Webber first braved a wet track in 2005 but truly shined in 2013 with a stunning 1:43.1 lap in dry conditions. This lap put the Red Bull ace ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel, showcasing his speed outside Formula 1 circuits as well.
9. Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel appeared on Top Gear in 2011, then a reigning world champion with Red Bull. He set a rapid 1:44.0 lap in the Suzuki Liana, briefly topping the F1 leaderboard. Vettel’s competitive edge shone through as he made sure the car’s tyre pressures were spot-on before his run.
8. Rubens Barrichello
Rubens Barrichello made Top Gear history in 2010 by becoming the first F1 driver to beat The Stig’s lap time. Driving the Suzuki Liana, Barrichello set a scorching 1:44.3—outpacing Ben Collins, the Stig at the time. Barrichello celebrated by handing out “I beat The Stig” shirts to fellow drivers.
7. Nigel Mansell
Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell impressed on Top Gear’s test track, setting a sharp time of 1:44.6 in the reasonably priced car. His lap, celebrated for its smoothness and competitive edge, put him ahead of several fellow F1 drivers, including Jenson Button and Damon Hill, showcasing his enduring racing skill.
6. Jenson Button
Jenson Button set a rapid lap of 1:44.7 on a hot day for Top Gear’s Star in a Reasonably Priced Car, matching Lewis Hamilton’s wet-weather effort. Button’s smooth and precise driving style translates well to the track, maximizing grip and consistency—key traits that defined his F1 and TV laps.
5. Kimi Räikkönen
Kimi Räikkönen impressed on Top Gear’s test track in Series 18, logging a 1:46.1 lap in the Suzuki Liana—despite very wet conditions. Although the slippery surface cost him a spot among the very fastest F1 guests, Räikkönen’s calm skill was still on display for fans and hosts alike.
4. Damon Hill
1996 Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill brought his calm composure to the Top Gear test track, setting a 1:46.3 lap in the Suzuki Liana. Despite slippery conditions, Hill’s performance placed him among the quickest F1 stars to compete on the show, showcasing his enduring skill behind the wheel.
3. Ben Collins (The Stig II)
Ben Collins, famously unmasked as the second “Stig,” set a blistering lap time of 1:44.4 in the Suzuki Liana on Top Gear’s test track. Although he wasn’t an F1 driver, his time stood as the benchmark for F1 guests until Rubens Barrichello narrowly beat it. Collins’ legacy as Top Gear’s “tame racing driver” remains iconic.
2. Perry McCarthy (The Stig I)
Perry McCarthy on X- @original_stig
Perry McCarthy, the original Stig, became a cult figure on BBC’s Top Gear, thrilling viewers with his mysterious persona and rapid laps. Before donning the black suit, McCarthy briefly raced in Formula One for Andrea Moda in 1992, showcasing the grit that later defined his role as Top Gear’s anonymous ace.
1. Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher stunned Top Gear fans when he was unmasked as The Stig in 2009. Driving a £1 million Ferrari FXX, Schumacher set a blistering lap time of 1:10.7—seven seconds quicker than the previous record. Although the time was later unofficially beaten, Schumacher’s appearance remains one of the show’s iconic moments.
Conclusion:
The appearances of F1 drivers on Top Gear have provided fans with memorable moments and intense laps, adding to the allure of the show. Whether it’s Daniel Ricciardo’s record-breaking runs or the enigmatic reveals of the men behind The Stig’s mask, each driver’s contribution has left a lasting impact. These appearances not only celebrate the intersection of entertainment and high-speed racing but also offer audiences a unique glimpse into the personalities and talents of the world’s fastest drivers.
