As the Indianapolis 500 kicks off its qualifying weekend, all eyes turn to the legendary Brickyard. This Memorial Day classic isn't just a crown jewel of American motorsport—it's a global icon that has lured the best drivers from Formula 1, the pinnacle of racing, to test their mettle on its hallowed ground.
Over the decades, more than 100 Formula 1 drivers have taken on the Indy 500's unique challenge. But crossing the finish line first? That's a feat reserved for an elite few. Only 13 drivers have managed to conquer both the world's most prestigious open-wheel series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Here's the full list of F1 stars who've claimed victory at the Indy 500:
Rodger Ward – Won in 1959 and 1962. A two-time winner with 12 F1 starts, Ward set the standard for crossover success.
Jim Clark – Won in 1965. The Scottish legend, a two-time F1 world champion (1963, 1965), brought his sublime skill to Indy and dominated.
Graham Hill – Won in 1966. "Mr. Monaco" added an Indy win to his two F1 titles (1962, 1968), proving his versatility on any track.
Mario Andretti – Won in 1969. The 1978 F1 champion is one of the most versatile drivers in history, and his Indy victory cemented his American racing royalty status.
Mark Donohue – Won in 1972. With 14 F1 starts, Donohue's engineering mind and raw speed made him a threat anywhere he raced.
Danny Sullivan – Won in 1985. Known for his famous "spin and win" at Indy, Sullivan had 15 F1 starts before becoming an IndyCar legend.
Emerson Fittipaldi – Won in 1989 and 1993. The Brazilian two-time F1 champion (1972, 1974) showed his enduring talent by winning Indy twice.
Jacques Villeneuve – Won in 1995. The son of Gilles, Villeneuve captured the Indy 500 before winning the F1 title in 1997—a rare double.
Eddie Cheever – Won in 1998. With 132 F1 starts, Cheever was a seasoned veteran who found his greatest triumph at Indy.
Juan Pablo Montoya – Won in 2000 and 2015. The Colombian powerhouse, with 94 F1 starts, proved his adaptability by winning Indy 15 years apart.
Alexander Rossi – Won in 2016. After just 5 F1 starts, Rossi shocked the world by winning the 100th Indy 500 as a rookie.
Takuma Sato – Won in 2017 and 2020. The Japanese driver, with 90 F1 starts, became a two-time Indy winner known for his fearless overtakes.
Marcus Ericsson – Won in 2022. The Swede, with 97 F1 starts, capped his transition to IndyCar with a victory at the Brickyard.
Winning both an F1 world championship and the Indy 500 is a monumental achievement that only a handful have accomplished. Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Jacques Villeneuve stand alone as the only drivers to claim both honors—a testament to their extraordinary talent and versatility. As qualifying revs up this weekend, remember these legends who conquered two of motorsport's greatest stages.