The 2010 Formula One World Championship is the 61st renewal of Motor Sport’s premier event and takes place from 14 March – 14 November 2010. Spanning 19 races across 5 different continents, a total of 13 teams will line up on the grid trying to claim both the drivers and constructors championships.
Defending the drivers crown this year is Jenson Button, who accumulated 95 points en route to victory in 2009 with Brawn GP. The Briton won 6 of the first 7 races, though failed to do so again all season, but only retired in one Grand Prix so his consistency throughout the year was rewarded. Button has since switched to McLaren for the 2010 season to drive alongside the 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton. Defending constructors are Brawn, who have subsequently been re-branded as Mercedes GP and boast 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher in their ranks for the forthcoming campaign.
Since its foundation in 1950, Schumacher is the most successful Formula One driver of all-time with his 7 titles. Next in the list is Juan Manuel Fangio, who was 5 championships between 1951 and 1957. Alain Prost stands third with 4 titles.
Ferrari are comfortably the most successful constructor of all-time with 16 crowns, the last of which came in 2008. British-based firms dominate the rest of the list, with Williams (9), McLaren (8) and Lotus (7) in second, third and fourth respectively.