F1 Drivers Heights, Weights & Ages Revealed: How Tall Are Hamilton, Verstappen & Co?

How tall are F1 drivers, really? With only a helmet bobbing above the cockpit at 200+ mph, it’s hard to tell if you’re looking at a six-footer or someone who can comfortably ride the kiddie rollercoaster at a theme park. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether Max Verstappen could high-five George Russell eye-to-eye or how Yuki Tsunoda squeezes into an F1 car like a tailored suit—you’re in the right place.

But height in Formula 1 isn’t just trivia for pub quizzes or fan forums. It genuinely matters. An F1 driver’s height can influence everything from cockpit ergonomics to weight added to the car. Teams make real compromises when working with taller drivers—more weight means less freedom with ballast placement, potentially throwing off balance and performance. So yes, height matters—but not in the way you might expect. Let’s take a look at the 2026 season grid, from the tallest to the shortest F1 driver.

How Does Height Affect F1 Drivers?

In a sport where fractions of a second matter, even something as fundamental as a driver’s height can influence performance. Taller drivers have historically faced challenges—not because they’re slower, but because they occupy more space and usually weigh more, which affects the delicate balance of the car.

To level the playing field, the FIA has adjusted regulations over the years. One key improvement was introduced in 2019, when a minimum driver weight of 80kg (including race suit, helmet, and seat) became mandatory. This rule means lighter drivers no longer offer a ballast advantage, and taller, naturally heavier drivers aren’t unfairly penalised.

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Cockpit dimensions have also been standardised. Teams are still allowed to build tight packages around smaller drivers, but the cockpit must meet a minimum internal size of 850mm in length and 450mm in width, ensuring that even taller drivers can fit safely and competitively.

Before these rules, drivers were often told exactly what weight they needed to hit—sometimes below healthy limits. The updated regulations not only promote fairness but also protect driver wellbeing, making F1 as safe and competitive as ever, no matter your height.

2026 F1 Drivers’ Height and Weight

Here’s how tall each of the current F1 drivers is, from tallest to shortest:

Driver	Team	Imperial Height	Metric Height	Weight (kilos)
Alex Albon	Williams	6 ft 1 in	1.86m	66kg
Esteban Ocon	Haas	6 ft 1 in	1.86m	73kg
George Russell	Mercedes	6 ft 1 in	1.85m	70kg
Gabriel Bortoleto	Sauber	6 ft 0 in	1.84m	71kg
Nico Hulkenberg	Sauber	6 ft	1.84m	78kg
Oliver Bearman	Haas	6 ft	1.84m	68kg
Lance Stroll	Aston Martin	5 ft 11 in	1.82m	79kg
Max Verstappen	Red Bull	5 ft 11 in	1.81m	72kg
Charles Leclerc	Ferrari	5 ft 11 in	1.80m	68kg
Oscar Piastri	McLaren	5 ft 10 in	1.78m	68kg
Carlos Sainz	Williams	5 ft 10 in	1.78m	66kg
Pierre Gasly	Alpine	5 ft 10 in	1.77m	70kg
Lando Norris	McLaren	5 ft 9 in	1.76m	68kg
Franco Colapinto	Alpine	5 ft 9 in	1.75m	71kg
Lewis Hamilton	Ferrari	5 ft 8 in	1.74m	73kg
Liam Lawson	Racing Bulls	5 ft 8 in	1.74m	72kg
Valtteri Bottas	Cadillac	5 ft 8 in	1.74m	69kg
Arvid Lindblad	Racing Bulls	5 ft 8 in	1.74m	68kg
Sergio Perez	Cadillac	5 ft 8 in	1.74m	63kg
Andrea Kimi Antonelli	Mercedes	5 ft 7 in	1.72m	70kg
Fernando Alonso	Aston Martin	5 ft 7 in	1.71m	68kg
Isack Hadjar	Red Bull	5 ft 6 in	1.67m	65kg

Who is the tallest F1 driver?

While Formula 1 isn’t exactly known for its skyscraping athletes, a few drivers on the 2026 grid prove that height doesn’t have to be a handicap in motorsport.

Leading the pack—quite literally in the height stakes—are Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon, who both measure in at a lofty 1.86 meters (6 ft 1 in). Towering over many of their peers.

Not far behind is George Russell, standing tall at 1.85 meters (also 6 ft 1 in, but a smidge shorter if we’re being picky). Between the three of them, they form the NBA front line of the F1 grid.

Who is the shortest F1 driver?

While some drivers tower over the grid, from the previous season, Yuki Tsunoda confidently held the title of the shortest driver in Formula 1, standing at just 1.59 meters (5 ft 3 in). That makes him a full 27 centimetres shorter than the tallest drivers—Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon.

But as of the 2026 season, the title of the shortest current F1 driver goes to Isack Hadjar.

His compact frame can actually offer advantages in the ultra-tight packaging of modern F1 cars. With a lower centre of gravity and less overall weight to balance, he gives his engineers a little more flexibility when it comes to ballast placement.

Whether he’s outbraking others into Turn 1 or lighting up the radio with his unfiltered race-day commentary, Hadjar proves that size doesn’t define speed. He may be the smallest driver on the grid, but he’s one of the most promising drivers in the paddock.

What is the Average Height of an F1 Driver?

With Yuki Tsunoda no longer on the F1 grid, the average height of a Formula 1 driver in 2026 is 1.78 metres, which converts to about 5 feet 10 inches in imperial terms.

That puts the modern F1 driver slightly taller than last years 5’9” figure, reflecting how the grid has gradually trended upward in height over recent years with drivers like Albon, Russell, Ocon, and Hülkenberg.

Interestingly, Lewis Hamilton sits a little below the average at 1.74 m (5 ft 8 in) rather than directly on it. Drivers such as Lando Norris (1.76 m) and Pierre Gasly (1.77 m) are closer to the true midpoint of the field, while the tallest drivers stretch the average upward.

At 1.78 m, today’s “typical” F1 driver is tall enough to handle modern cars comfortably, yet still compact enough to fit within the extremely tight aerodynamic and packaging constraints engineers battle with every season—proof that in Formula 1, proportions matter just as much as outright size.

Who is the heaviest F1 driver?

While Formula 1 drivers are often associated with feather-light physiques, Lance Stroll stands out for being the heaviest driver on the 2026 grid, weighing in at 79 kilograms.

While 79kg is hardly heavyweight by everyday standards, it’s significant in F1, where grams can influence lap time. Teams must balance the driver’s weight with the car setup, ensuring that the total weight distribution complies with strict regulations while still delivering performance.

Despite this and thanks to the FIA’s minimum driver-plus-seat weight rule, introduced in 2019, heavier drivers no longer face the same performance penalty they once did—making the sport more inclusive for a broader range of body types.

Tallest F1 Team Pairing: Haas

When it comes to towering talent—literally—Haas leads the way. With Esteban Ocon (1.86m) and Oliver Bearman (1.84m) in their 2026 driver lineup, they boast the tallest pairing on the grid with an average height of 1.85 meters.

While this might make cockpit ergonomics a bit tighter for the team’s design engineers, it hasn’t stopped Haas from assembling a lineup that combines youthful long-term promise (Bearman) with experience (Ocon).

Shortest F1 Team Pairing: Red Bull

Red Bull still features one of the more compact driver line-ups on the grid in 2026, though the extremes seen in 2025 are gone.

This time around, Max Verstappen remains the taller half of the garage at 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in), paired with Isack Hadjar, who stands at 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in). That creates a 14 cm height difference between teammates—significant, but far less dramatic than the Verstappen–Tsunoda contrast the year before.

Together, Red Bull’s 2026 pairing averages 1.74 m, placing them joint-shortest on the grid, tied with Racing Bulls and Cadillac, who coincidentally also field two drivers of identical height in each team.

While Red Bull no longer owns the outright “shortest driver” title, their line-up remains on the compact end of the spectrum—an advantage when it comes to cockpit packaging, weight distribution, and aerodynamic freedom. In modern Formula 1, even a few centimetres can still make an engineer smile.

Most Evenly Matched Teammates: Ferrari

In terms of symmetry, Ferrari’s driver duo takes the prize for the most evenly matched pairing on the 2026 grid.

• Charles Leclerc: 1.80m, 68kg
• Lewis Hamilton: 1.74m, 73kg

Only 6cm apart in height and 5kg in weight, they’re remarkably close, especially given their difference in age and racing eras. From a car setup and engineering perspective, this makes things much easier. Less variation means fewer compromises when adjusting cockpit fit, ergonomics, or balance between race weekends.

They’re also evenly matched in driving styles, making Ferrari’s 2026 garage one of the most balanced in more ways than one.

2026 F1 Drivers Heights

Alex Albon, born on March 23, 1996, in London, is a Thai-British driver currently racing for Williams Racing under the Thai flag. He began his motorsport career in karting, achieving significant success before progressing through various single-seater categories. Albon made his Formula 1 debut in 2019 with Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls) and was promoted mid-season to Red Bull Racing, where he secured two podium finishes in 2020. After serving as a reserve driver in 2021, he joined Williams in 2022.

Esteban Ocon, born on September 17, 1996, in Évreux, Normandy, is a French driver currently racing for Haas. He began his motorsport journey in karting, progressing through the junior ranks with notable success, including winning the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2014. Ocon made his F1 debut in 2016 with Manor Racing, later driving for Force India, Renault, and Alpine before joining Haas. He secured his maiden F1 victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. ​

George Russell, born on February 15, 1998, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, is a British 1 driver competing for Mercedes. His early career saw him clinch titles in the GP3 Series (2017) and FIA Formula 2 Championship (2018). Russell debuted in F1 with Williams in 2019 and joined Mercedes in 2022, achieving his first Grand Prix victory at the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix.

Gabriel Bortoleto, born on October 14, 2004, in São Paulo, Brazil, is a Brazilian driver who joined Sauber for the 2025 F1 season which is now the Audi team from 2026 onwards. He won the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2023 and the 2024 Formula 2 Championship before making the leap to Formula 1. ​

Nico Hülkenberg, born on August 19, 1987, in Emmerich am Rhein, is a German driver racing for Audi. He debuted in F1 with Williams in 2010 and has since driven for teams including Force India, Renault, and Haas. Hülkenberg also raced in the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning with Porsche.

Oliver Bearman, born on May 8, 2005, in Chelmsford, is a British driver competing for Haas. He progressed through the junior ranks, including a stint in Formula 2, before making his Formula 1 debut for Ferrari as a stand-in to Carlos Sainz in 2024. His full race seat came in 2025 for Haas.

Lance Stroll, born on October 29, 1998, in Montreal, Canada, drives for Aston Martin. He debuted in F1 with Williams in 2017, achieving a podium finish in his rookie season. Stroll joined Aston Martin (formerly Racing Point) in 2019.

Max Verstappen, born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium, is a Dutch driver and four-time World Champion. He made history as the youngest-ever F1 debutant in 2015 with Toro Rosso at just 17 years old, and quickly rose through the ranks to become Red Bull Racing’s lead driver. Known for his aggressive style and raw speed, Verstappen claimed his first title in 2021 and has since dominated the sport with back-to-back championships.

Charles Leclerc, born on October 16, 1997, in Monte Carlo, Monaco, is a Ferrari driver and one of the sport’s brightest talents. He entered F1 with Sauber in 2018 and joined Ferrari a year later, quickly making headlines with pole positions and race wins. Known for his qualifying speed, Leclerc continues to be a cornerstone in Ferrari’s pursuit of reclaiming championship glory.

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Oscar Piastri, born on April 6, 2001, in Melbourne, Australia, is a rising star at McLaren. A champion in both Formula 3 and Formula 2 in successive years, Piastri made his F1 debut in 2023 and quickly impressed with his composure and consistency. He represents the next generation of drivers and has become a pivotal figure in McLaren’s resurgence.

Carlos Sainz, born on September 1, 1994, in Madrid, Spain, is a smooth and calculated racer known for his intelligence behind the wheel. A former Red Bull junior, Sainz raced for Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari before joining Williams. He claimed his first win in 2022 and continues to be one of the most dependable and technically gifted drivers on the grid.

Pierre Gasly, born on February 7, 1996, in Rouen, France, is a Grand Prix winner with a fiery edge. After a brief stint at Red Bull, he rebounded with a stunning win at Monza in 2020 for AlphaTauri. Now, with Alpine, Gasly brings speed, flair, and dependability to the French team’s lineup.

Lando Norris, born on November 13, 1999, in Bristol, UK, is one of F1’s most popular drivers—on and off the track. Making his debut with McLaren in 2019, Norris has consistently impressed with his pace, racecraft, and personality. A podium regular, he capped 2025 with his first title.

Franco Colapinto began karting at nine and quickly made a name for himself by winning the Argentinian Championship in 2016 and 2018. His European single-seater journey started in 2018 when he joined the final round of the FIA Spanish F4 season, securing a win and a second-place finish. Recognising his potential, Fernando Alonso‘s team, FA Racing by Drivex, signed Franco for the 2019 season.

Lewis Hamilton, born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, UK, is one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. A seven-time World Champion, Hamilton dominated the turbo-hybrid era with Mercedes before making a dramatic switch to Ferrari in 2025. With 100+ wins and countless records, his legacy continues to evolve as he enters a new chapter.

Liam Lawson, born on February 11, 2002, in New Zealand, is one of the most promising young talents in Formula 1. After impressing as a stand-in during the 2023 season, Lawson secured a full-time seat with Racing Bulls before being promoted to the parent Reb Bull team. After a shaky start he returned to Racing Bulls after two races of the 2025 season. Known for his cool head and sharp race instincts, he’s one to watch in the coming years.

Valtteri Bottas is a Finnish racing driver who finished runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship twice, in 2019 and 2020, with Mercedes. After an 11-year streak, he left F1 in 2024 only to rejoin again with the newly-formed Cadillac F1 Team in 2026, alongside Sergio Perez.

Arvid Lindblad is a British-Swedish racing prodigy who competed in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Campos Racing as part of the Red Bull Junior Team. Equal parts precision, flair, and teenage fearlessness, Lindblad rapidly carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting young drivers in motorsport. He was finally rewarded with a seat at Racing Bulls for the 2026 season.

Sergio “Checo” Perez is a Mexican driver who appeared to have ended his F1 career with Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024, only to rejoin the grid again for 2026 with the Cadillac F1 team. Perez’s best result so far has been finishing runner-up in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship. Perez has also driven for Sauber, McLaren, Force India, and Racing Point.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, born on August 25, 2006, in Bologna, Italy, is the youngest F1 driver on the 2025 grid. A prodigy from the Mercedes junior program, he’s widely regarded as the next big thing in F1. Making his debut at just 18, Antonelli carries huge expectations and is seen as the natural successor to Lewis Hamilton.

Fernando Alonso, born on July 29, 1981, in Oviedo, Spain, is a two-time World Champion and one of F1’s most experienced and relentless competitors. With a career spanning over two decades, Alonso has raced for some of the sport’s biggest teams and remains fiercely competitive. Now with Aston Martin, he continues to defy expectations and age.

Isack Hadjar, born on September 28, 2004, in Paris, France, is a Red Bull junior who made the leap to F1 with Racing Bulls. A standout in Formula 2, Hadjar is known for his bold driving style and quick adaptation to pressure. 2025 was his rookie season in the sport’s top tier.

Who is the Tallest F1 Driver of All Time?

When it comes to towering over the rest—literally—Hans-Joachim Stuck holds the record as the tallest F1 driver in Formula One history, standing at a lofty 1.94m (6 ft 4 in). Racing throughout the 1970s with teams like March, Brabham, Shadow, and ATS, the German’s height caused real issues with fitting into the compact cockpits of the era.

In a time when teams were pushing aerodynamic innovation through ground effect, cockpits were being moved forward—leaving tall drivers like Stuck sat in awkward, upright positions. Ironically, his decision to leave F1 in 1979 may have spared him from serious injury, as several drivers in that era suffered severe leg injuries in crashes due to that very design shift. Stuck went on to find major success in sports cars, including two wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Porsche.

But Stuck isn’t the only name on the tall list. Dan Gurney, another 6’4″ giant, faced similar issues throughout his F1 career. The American’s height meant his head and shoulders were exposed—creating a clear aerodynamic disadvantage, especially in underpowered cars.

More recently, Justin Wilson joined the ranks of the F1 tall club at 1.93m (6 ft 4 in). That’s a full 7cm taller than today’s tallest drivers like Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon (both 1.86m). Wilson’s height wasn’t just a fun fact—it literally cost him a shot at the grid. In 2002, Minardi wanted to bring him in to replace Alex Yoong, but Wilson’s long legs meant he couldn’t physically fit into the car. The seat ultimately went to Anthony Davidson.

Who is the Shortest F1 Driver of All Time?

While Yuki Tsunoda is the shortest driver in recent times, he’s not the shortest in F1 history. That title goes to Andrea Montermini, who stood at just 1.57 meters (5 ft 1 in)—a full 2cm shorter than Tsunoda.

The Italian driver made his Formula 1 debut in 1994, racing for the underdog Pacific team, and later made four starts with Forti before the team folded in 1996. Though his F1 career was brief—just 19 starts in total—Montermini went on to enjoy a successful run in sportscar racing, including appearances at Le Mans and championship wins in the Italian GT and International GT Open Series.