A Brazilian Formula One and Champ Car driver who won the 2002 CART championship and holds multiple IndyCar wins. Known for his aggressive driving style and impressive speed.
Cristiano da Matta is a Brazilian former professional racing driver, best known for winning the CART Championship in 2002 and driving in Formula One with the Toyota team from 2003 to 2004. With a storied career spanning over two decades, da Matta has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports.
Born on September 19, 1973, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Cristiano da Matta comes from a racing pedigree. His father, Toninho da Matta, was a 14-time Brazilian touring car champion, and it was only natural for da Matta to follow in his footsteps.
Da Matta began karting at the age of 16, adopting a helmet design nearly identical to his father's. He quickly rose to the top, winning numerous karting championships before winning the 1993 Brazilian Formula Ford championship. In 1994, he continued his successful ways, winning the Brazilian Formula 3 championship against the likes of Hélio Castroneves and Ricardo Zonta.
In 1997, da Matta moved to the United States to compete in the Indy Lights racing series, where he won Rookie of the Year honors. The following year, he won the championship by winning seven races and securing four pole positions.
In 1999, da Matta joined the CART series with Team Arciero Wells, which were running Toyota engines. His first win came in 2000, and despite some sponsor opposition, he joined the front-running Newman-Haas Racing team for 2001. He won the CART drivers' championship in 2002 under Toyota power with the Newman-Haas Racing team, dominating the year with seven race wins and seven poles.
Da Matta completed a move to Formula One in 2003, with the Toyota Formula One team. He scored 10 championship points that year, four more than seasoned veteran and teammate Olivier Panis.
During his time in Formula One, da Matta made a name for himself as a skilled driver, finishing 13th in the drivers' championship in 2003 and 12th in 2004. Despite not achieving the same level of success in Formula One as he did in CART, da Matta's talent and dedication earned him a reputation as one of the top drivers in the sport.
Cristiano da Matta's legacy in motorsports is one of dedication, hard work, and a passion for racing. With a career spanning over two decades, he has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring countless drivers and fans around the world.
66 Years Old
A legendary Formula One driver who won three World Championships and is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport, known for his exceptional speed and daring racing style.
71 Years Old
Four-time Formula One World Champion and one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, known for his fierce rivalry with Ayrton Senna and his consistent winning record.
73 Years Old
A three-time Formula One World Champion, known for his aggressive driving style and controversies on and off the track.
57 Years Old
A legendary Formula One driver who won seven World Championships and holds numerous records in the sport. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history.
50 Years Old
A Brazilian Formula One driver who competed for several teams, including McLaren and Toyota, and won the 1998 FIA GT Championship. He's also known for his role as a test and reserve driver.
53 Years Old
Brazilian Formula One driver with 11 Grand Prix wins and 68 podiums, holding the record for most F1 starts until 2020. Known for his speed, consistency, and long-lasting career.
45 Years Old
Brazilian Formula One driver who won 11 Grands Prix and finished as championship runner-up in 2008. Known for his speed and consistency on the track.
50 Years Old
A Colombian racing icon who won numerous championships, including the Indy 500, and is known for his aggressive driving style and versatility in different racing series.
