There are few more dangerous sports in the world than Formula 1, meaning that there is no surprise that drivers involved in the sport typically need a relaxing hobby to unwind following a race weekend.
For some, that leads into a passion revolving around horses, with many being fans of equestrian events across a number of different disciplines.
The sports are closely intertwined, as F1 and horse racing both see those involved requiring a clear dedication to win at all costs. But, who are some of the Formula 1 drivers that have a passion for equestrian events?
Lando Norris
Lando Norris is one of the most popular Formula 1 stars in this modern day, with many following the British driver on his social media channels.
His popularity has seen him become one of the fastest growing stars in the sport, but his life could have been completely different had he continued his childhood obsession with horses. Norris rode horses on a daily basis rom a young age, but he is rarely aboard these days due to the risks attached with the activity. Fortunately, his decision to stick with motorsports has been a good one, and he is in the hunt for the Drivers’ Championship in 2025.
Norris landed a first Grand Prix success in Miami in 2024, and has since recorded four further wins and 31 podiums. The British driver has been on the grid since joining McLaren in 2019, and he was the runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship in 2024.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is potentially the most famous Formula 1 driver in history. However, he has a number of interests outside of racing, and one of those revolves around horses. Hamilton is a frequent visitor at horse shows, and he has publicly expressed his admiration for stars that compete in shows.
The Ferrari driver is the joint-most successful driver in F1 history, having won seven Drivers’ Championships. He also holds the records for the most wins, pole positions, and podium. Hamilton has been on the F1 grid since joining McLaren in 2007. He broke down glass ceilings to earn his spot, becoming the first black driver to compete in the sport.
His career reached new heights in 2013 after joining Mercedes. The team would become the dominant force in the sport, winning Drivers’ Championships in six of the seven seasons between 2014 and 2020. His reputation in the sport and his power to take F1 to a global audience saw him knighted in the 2021 New Years Honours list.
Charles Leclerc
Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate is also an avid lover of horses, as Charles Leclerc is a respected rider, and has shown admiration for those that compete in equestrian events at the Olympic Games. Like Norris, Leclerc is one of the most popular drivers on the current grid, with only a handful of drivers amassing bigger social media followings.
The 27-year-old was the runner-up in the 2022 Drivers’ Championship, and he has won a total of eight races across his eight seasons in Formula 1. Leclerc joined the F1 grid with Sauber in 2018, before he joined Ferrari just 12 months later. He became the second-youngest polesitter in F1 history in his first season with the team, before ending Ferrari’s nine-year winless run at the team’s home race.
Leclerc’s most famous win to date came in 2024, as he became the first Monegasque driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix. As well as clocking up eight Grand Prix wins, Leclerc have also achieved 44 podium finishes, and has accumulated 1,483 points during his F1 career.
Perhaps we will see Leclerc soon in big races like the Preakness Stakes. You can find more information about this race here: twinspires.com/preakness-stakes/betting/
Sir Jackie Stewart
Sir Jackie Stewart is another Formula 1 legend with close links to equestrian events. His charitable efforts in the Race Against Dementia were at the forefront of the Grand National in 2023, with the legendary driver dropping the flag for the big race on the UK racing schedule in the same year.
It was a fitting moment, as the sport and Aintree has close links, with the racecourse having played host to the British Grand Prix on five occasions between 1955 and 1962. Stewart remains one of the most famous drivers in the history of the sport, as he won three Drivers’ Championships with Tyrrell.
At the time of his retirement, the Scotsman also held the records for most wins and podium finishes in Formula 1. As well as winning three Drivers’ Championships, Stewart also finished as the runner-up on two further occasions. He was previously the only British driver to have three World Championships before Hamilton surpassed his accomplishments in 2015.
It could be argued that Stewart is also one of the most important stars in F1 history, as he was a pioneering figure behind making the sport as safe as it is today. He also had a pivotal role in improving tracks and ensuring that they were fit for acing.