Lewis Hamilton's selection

Ayrton Senna

Active Years: 1984-1994

Champion: 1988, 1990, 1991

Wins: 41

Podiums: 80

Poles: 65

Staggeringly talented, intensely charismatic, and fiercely - even ruthlessly - competitive, Ayrton Senna is considered by many to be the greatest driver of all time. His record of 41 wins and 65 poles reflects his dominance, but Senna's legacy extends far beyond statistics. Few pushed themselves as hard; fewer still shed as much light on the extremes to which only the greatest will go. An idol in his native Brazil, Senna's mystique remains undiminished even now, two decades on from his passing on that fateful day in Imola.

Ayrton Senna: Hall of Fame

Juan Manuel Fangio

Active Years: 1950-1951, 1953-1958

Champion: 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957

Wins: 24

Podiums: 35

Poles: 29

Still championed by many as the finest driver to grace F1, Juan Manuel Fangio set the early benchmarks by which every champion has since been judged. In seven full seasons he was crowned World Champion five times, and finished runner-up twice - a superlative record that encompassed some of the greatest displays of skill and bravery ever seen in motor racing history.

Juan Manuel Fangio: Hall of Fame

Bernie Ecclestone

Ecclestone's earliest involvement in F1 came in the 1950s with the Connaught team and driver Lewis Stuart-Evans. He went on to manage Jochen Rindt, before buying the Brabham team in 1972. He quickly set about turning it into a winning force, culminating in title glory in 1981 and 1983. In parallel, he was also a founding member and later chief executive of the Formula 1 Constructors Association.

McLaren-Honda MP4/4

Developed by Steve Nichols and Gordon Murray, the MP4/4 was a revelation from the moment it hit the track at the start of the 1988 season. Utilising a low centre of gravity and sophisticated rear suspension - and with a mighty engine from new partners Honda - the car dominated, claiming 15 poles, 15 victories and 10 further podiums from the 16-race season. The fact it was the car in which the legendary rivalry between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna really kicked off only adds to its lustre.