Amongst many racing circles, one would be hard-pressed to argue there is a more talented group of drivers than F1 racers. F1 drivers are well aware of their car's limitations and are capable of pushing them to the very edge of their full potential. However, it can be undoubtedly said that the most fearless drivers compete in the World Rally Championships.

The strict enforcement of rules and lack of variables in circuit racing make for a comfortable experience when it comes to the best drivers in the world. But the varying degree of difficulty, conditions, and of course, the bonkers fan base, rally drivers are subjected to the most intense and grueling circumstances. Not to mention the ever-climbing level of power of rally cars, leading to the eventual banning of Group B and what essentially would be vehicles that rival the power of F1 cars, on a dirt track.

Rallying has seen some of the most skilled drivers ever to sit behind the wheel of a car, with literal dozens of legends to pick from, this feature comprises just a few. These are some of the most influential rally drivers, ever.

Michele Mouton

Michele Mouton Audi S2
Via: Audi Club North America

Born in Grasse, France in 1951, Michéle has earned herself the nickname as the fastest woman in the world. Rising to prominence in the late '70s, Mouton made her rallying debut in 1974. Her fast driving and consistent results would draw ire from the heavy sexism that plagued motorsport for decades, with rumors swirling it must be the special Alpine engine. Mouton would shake off any doubt after her string of top-five finishes to round out the '70s.

In 1980, she received a call from Audi requesting her to be one of the factory drivers for their WRC division. In what Mouton recalled as an utter shock, she would have to wait until 1981 to officially compete as the new A1 Quattro did not meet FIA homologation rules at the time.

It was in the early '80s where Mouton would begin to show the world that Audi's decision to sign her was much more than a publicity stunt. She became the first woman ever to win a world championship event in 1981, much to the ire of Ari Vatanen, who confidently claimed he could never lose to a woman.

Mouton would see 1982 as her most successful year, nearly edging out Walter Röhrl for the world championship if were not for an untimely crash with 600km left. She would lead Audi to its first ever manufacturers' title, as well as becoming the first woman to win the International Rally Driver of the Year Award. She would later see mild success in the arduous Group B era, but later would set her sights on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb where she had broken many records including the fastest completion time ever in the hill climb, in 1985.

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Colin McRae

Colin McRae kicking car
Via: WRC

In what must be the most recognizable driver on the list, Colin McRae, certainly holds the title of the most daring rally driver to ever exist. Known for his unwillingness to quit (documented above where he kicks his back hatch to lock in place and continue the rally), Colin quickly became a fan favorite for his bravado when behind the wheel of a rally car.

Seeing his professional debut in 1991 for the Subaru team in the British Rally Championship, McRae would see promotion to Subaru's WRC factory team after becoming the BRC champion back to back in 1991 and 1992. It wouldn't take long for McRae to make his mark on WRC, with his first win coming weeks later at the Rally New Zealand, which also happened to be Subaru's first win ever in WRC.

Two short years later, McRae would hoist the driver's title in 1995 at the Rally of Great Britain, the only time he would see the first place podium in his WRC career. He did however, lead Subaru and his legendary Impreza 555 to three consecutive manufacturer's titles in 1995, 1996, and 1997. McRae and Subaru would soon part ways in 1998, with McRae landing on the Ford Rally team where he would become the highest-paid rally driver of all time.

McRae would see varying levels of success throughout the rest of his career, ultimately earning the title of driver with the most WRC wins ever before it was broken by Carlos Sainz. McRae would unfortunately pass away in 2007 as a result of a helicopter crash, cutting the driver's return to WRC short. He will forever live in infamy thanks to his notable motto, "if in doubt, flat out."

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Carlos Sainz Sr

Carlos Sainz Sr Toyota Repsol
Via: Box Repsol

Rising to prominence in the 1986 Spanish Rally Championship, Sainz Sr., received professional notoriety in 1987 thanks to back-to-back wins at the same, Spanish Rally Championship. Sainz would soon leave the Ford team in place of Toyota Team Europe, and its iconic Celica GT-Four.

In 1990, Sainz and his Celica went on to claim the driver's title in WRC, knocking off Lancia and their three years of rally domination, and once again in 1992. Over the next 15 years, Sainz Sr., would compete for the likes of six different teams, and although he would never see the driver's title again, he would go onto to become the WRC's winningest driver of all time, in addition to seeing the championship podium eleven total times.

He would go on to reinvent his career with his success in the world-famous Dakar Rally, taking first place in 2010, 2018, and 2020. He is also the father of Scuderia Ferrari, F1 driver, Carlos Sainz Jr.

Hannu Mikkola

Hannu Mikkola
Via: YouTube

With a career spanning across three decades, Mikkola would see his most success during the late '70s and early '80s of rallying. Coincidentally, considered to be the golden age of rally driving and the world championships.

Receiving a handful of victories from 1974-1978, Mikkola would cement himself as one of rallying's greatest competitors in 1979, where he and co-driver Arne Hertz recorded four stage victories, narrowly claiming the title. After becoming the runner-up once again in 1980, Mikkola would join the legendary Audi team in 1981. After yet another podium finish in 1982, 1983 would prove to be the pinnacle of Mikkola's career.

Another four victories and three more runner-up finishes during the season, allowed Mikkola to claim the 1983 driver's title, becoming the oldest rallying champion, at 41 years old; a record that stands to this day. Inducted to the rallying hall of fame in 2011, Mikkola would succumb to cancer just ten years later, in 2021.