Belgium is home to some of the best auto racing players in the world. The country has a long and rich history of success in the motorsports industry, with many of its drivers becoming renowned for their achievements on and off the track.
From the legendary Formula One champion, Jacky Ickx, to the current World Rally Champion, Thierry Neuville, Belgium has delivered some of the greatest drivers the world has ever seen.
We will take a look at some of the greatest Belgian drivers of all time, and their incredible accomplishments in the world of motor racing.
1. Max Verstappen
Max Emilian Verstappen is an impressive athlete who has earned international success. He is a Belgian-Dutch racing driver and is the 2021 and 2022 Formula One World Champion.
He is the first Dutch driver to do so, and his success has made him an iconic figure in Dutch culture.Verstappen competes under the Dutch flag in Formula One with Red Bull Racing.
His career began when he was just four years old, and he has since gone on to become one of the most successful drivers in the sport. His father, Jos Verstappen, is also a former Formula One driver, and his mother, Sophie Kumpen, was also a successful racing driver.
This impressive family background has helped Verstappen to reach his current success.Verstappen’s success has been celebrated both in his native Belgium and in the Netherlands, where he has become a national hero.
He is known for his fearless driving style and has earned praise from both fans and fellow drivers alike. His combination of talent and dedication has made him one of the most successful drivers of all time, and his story is an inspirational one for many aspiring racers..
2. Stoffel Vandoorne
Stoffel Vandoorne is a highly successful professional racing driver from Belgium. He is currently competing in Formula E for DS Penske and is a test driver for both Aston Martin and McLaren.
Prior to racing for DS Penske, Vandoorne spent two years in Formula One, racing for McLaren from 2016 to 2018. During his time with McLaren, Vandoorne achieved a number of impressive results, including a podium finish and two fastest laps.
His racecraft and technical understanding of cars made him a popular figure in the sport and he was praised for his commitment and determination to succeed.
Despite leaving Formula One in 2018, Vandoorne has continued to be involved in motorsport, with his current roles for both Aston Martin and McLaren.
His experience and knowledge of cars has made him a valuable asset to both teams, and he will be looking to continue his success in Formula E.
3. Jérôme d’Ambrosio
Jérôme D’Ambrosio is a highly accomplished figure in the world of motorsports. He is a former professional racing driver from Belgium, who has achieved a great deal of success in his career.
He is now an executive in the motorsport world and holds the position of Driver Development Director at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
Throughout his professional career, D’Ambrosio has been involved in a number of prestigious racing events such as the Formula E World Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
He has also been involved in the Formula One World Championship, where he was a part of the Virgin Racing team in 2011 and the Lotus F1 team from 2012 to 2013. In addition to his career as a driver, D’Ambrosio has also been involved in the business side of the motorsport world.
He has held various management positions in various teams, such as the Lotus F1 team, where he was the team manager. He was also the Global Brand Ambassador for the Renault-Nissan Alliance for a period of time.
In his current position as Driver Development Director for Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, D’Ambrosio is responsible for the development of young drivers in the team.
He works closely with the team engineers and management to ensure that the drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the world of motorsports.
He is also tasked with helping to identify and promote new talent, as well as developing and refining the driving styles of the team’s existing drivers.
Jérôme D’Ambrosio is a highly respected figure in the world of motorsports, and his experience and expertise are invaluable to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. He is an integral part of the team’s success, and he will continue to play a vital role in the future of the team.
4. Charles Van Acker
Charles Van Acker was a pioneering racecar driver whose career spanned both Belgium and the United States. In 1946, Van Acker made his first attempt to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, but he was not fast enough to make the cut.
The following year, Van Acker made it into the race and ended up finishing 29th after crashing on lap 24.
He also competed in seven more national trail races that season and ended up placing fourth in points.Van Acker was an impressive and determined driver who demonstrated a commitment to pushing through the limits of the time.
His determination to succeed in the face of adversity was a testament to the pioneering spirit of the sport. He paved the way for others to come after him and showed that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.
Van Acker’s career stands as an example of the possibilities that can be achieved when a person has a strong will and a passion for something.
5. Charles de Tornaco
Baron Charles Victor Raymond André Evance de Tornaco was a Belgian racing driver who competed in four Formula One World Championship Grands Prix.
His debut occurred on June 22, 1952, but unfortunately, he was unable to score any points in the championship.Tornaco had a successful career in his native Belgium and was considered to be one of the best drivers in the country.
He was well-known for his skill behind the wheel and was often praised for his ability to stay calm and collected in difficult racing conditions.Tornaco was also a member of the Belgian Racing Drivers’ Club, a prestigious organization that was founded in 1950 and is dedicated to promoting the sport of motor racing in Belgium.
He was a very popular and well-respected racer and was highly regarded by his peers.Despite his success on the track, Tornaco was unable to make an impact on the international stage.
He was unable to score any points in his four Formula One World Championship Grands Prix races, ultimately finishing his career without any championship points.Tornaco’s legacy lives on in the racing world, as he is remembered as one of the most skilled drivers from Belgium.
He demonstrated great skill and determination throughout his career and is an inspiration to all aspiring racing drivers..
6. Patrick Nève
Patrick Marie Ghislain Pierre Simon Stanislas Nève de Mévergnies was a Belgian racing driver who made history as the first driver to compete for Williams Grand Prix Engineering.
He was a very successful driver in his own right, having participated in 14 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on 16 May 1976. Unfortunately, he was not able to score any championship points during his career.
Throughout his career, Patrick Marie Ghislain Pierre Simon Stanislas Nève de Mévergnies earned a reputation for being a reliable and hardworking driver.
He worked hard to make sure that he was always prepared for each race, and he was often praised for his commitment and dedication to the sport.
Despite the fact that he was not able to score any championship points, his legacy as the first driver for Williams Grand Prix Engineering remains.
Patrick Marie Ghislain Pierre Simon Stanislas Nève de Mévergnies is remembered as a pioneering figure in the world of Formula One racing. His commitment to the sport and his determination to succeed paved the way for many future drivers.
His legacy lives on to this day, and his name will always be associated with the history of Formula One racing.
7. Philippe Adams
Philippe Adams is a professional racing driver from Belgium. He is a highly accomplished racer who has competed in a variety of racing series, including the European Formula 3 Championship, Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, International Formula 3000, and World Series by Renault.
He has also raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the British Touring Car Championship, and the FIA GT Championship.Adams’ racing career began at the age of 16 when he competed in the Belgian Formula Ford Championship. He went on to win the Championship title in 1997.
After this, he moved up to Formula 3 and achieved many successes, including winning the German Formula 3 Championship in 2002. He also achieved success in the European Formula 3 Championship, winning the title in 2003.
In 2004, Adams moved up to International Formula 3000, where he achieved two second-place finishes. He then moved to the World Series by Renault in 2005, where he achieved a podium finish. In 2006, he moved back to Formula 3 and achieved a number of victories.
Adams’ career has taken him around the world, competing in races on four continents. He has also achieved many successes in endurance racing, including a fifth-place finish in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2017.
Adams is considered to be one of the top racing drivers in Belgium and continues to compete in various racing series.
8. Jacques Swaters
Jacques Swaters was a renowned racing driver from Belgium. He was also the team owner of three distinct racing teams, Ecurie Belgique, Ecurie Francorchamps and Ecurie Nationale Belge. Swaters’ career in motorsport started in the 1940s when he began racing cars in local races.
He quickly gained notoriety for his impressive driving skills and became a regular in European racing circles. In 1949, he founded his first racing team, Ecurie Belgique, which was based in Brussels.
The team went on to have great success in Formula One, competing in the Belgian Grand Prix from the 1950s to the 1970s. Swaters was the team’s manager and driver, and was known for his ability to wring the most performance out of his cars.
In 1957, Swaters founded his second racing team, Ecurie Francorchamps. This team competed in various motorsport disciplines, including Formula One, touring car races, and endurance races, such as the 24 Hours of Spa.
The team was based in Francorchamps, Belgium, and was quite successful. Finally, in 1961 Swaters founded his third team, Ecurie Nationale Belge. This team competed in Formula One, touring car races, and endurance races.
The team was based in Brussels and it was quite successful, achieving multiple podiums in Formula One and numerous wins in the 24 Hours of Spa. Jacques Swaters was an influential figure in Belgian motorsport, having founded three successful teams and competing in numerous races.
His passion for the sport and his driving prowess will never be forgotten.
9. Paul Frère
Paul Frère was a renowned Belgian racing driver and journalist. He is best remembered for his impressive record in the Formula One World Championship, which he first entered in 1952.
During his eleven Grands Prix, Frère achieved one podium finish and earned a total of eleven championship points.Despite the limited number of races he participated in, Frère left an indelible mark on the motorsports world.
His debut in the 1952 Belgian Grand Prix was a memorable event that signalled the start of a promising career.
While his subsequent Grands Prix were marked by mixed results, his podium finish in the 1962 French Grand Prix was a highlight of his Formula One career.Frère’s Formula One career, however, was only part of his impressive legacy.
He was also a successful journalist, who wrote extensively about motorsports and the racing world.
His works, which included articles for esteemed publications such as Car & Driver and Automobile Magazine, were widely read and respected by his peers.Frère’s contributions to motorsports have been recognized by his induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2004.
His life and career are a testament to the passion and dedication that he had for racing and journalism.
10. Jacky Ickx
Jacques Bernard Edmon Martin Henry “Jacky” Ickx is a Belgian racing driver who has made a lasting impact on the sport. He earned his nickname of “Jacky” due to his success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, which he won six times.
He also had a successful career in Formula One, where he achieved eight wins and 25 podium finishes. Ickx began his racing career in 1966, becoming the youngest driver to win a Formula One race when he won the 1966 Belgian Grand Prix at the age of 22.
Throughout his career, he was known for his driving skill and consistency, which enabled him to remain competitive in a variety of conditions. He was the first driver to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans race twice in a row, in 1969 and 1970.
He went on to win four more times, tying the record for the most wins in the event. Ickx’s career in Formula One was impressive as well. He had eight wins and 25 podium finishes, with his first win coming in 1968 at the French Grand Prix.
He also had three consecutive podium finishes in 1972 and was the runner-up in the championship in 1969 and 1970.
His career in Formula One was marked by his ability to stay competitive for a long period of time, even after the introduction of the turbocharged cars in the mid-1970s. Jacky Ickx is an enduring name in motorsports.
His success in both Formula One and the 24 Hours of Le Mans has helped to cement his legacy as one of the greatest drivers of all time. His skill, consistency, and longevity make him an example for future generations of drivers.
11. Eric van de Poele
Eric Francis Edouard Ghislain Thérèse van de Poele is a highly accomplished and experienced racing driver. He has been involved in motorsports since 1990 and has participated in a range of prestigious events.
In 1991 and 1992, he took part in 29 Formula One Grands Prix, showing his skill and talent. In addition to his Formula One career, Eric has three wins in the Formula 3000 series from 1990.
He has also had great success in endurance racing, with a total of three class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His accomplishments in motorsport have made him a highly respected driver and he continues to be involved in many of the world’s top racing events.
12. Willy Mairesse
Willy Mairesse was a talented driver from Belgium who had a successful career in Formula One and sports-car racing. His debut in the World Championship Grands Prix took place on June 19, 1960, and he went on to participate in a total of thirteen races.
Of these events, Mairesse earned one podium finish and accumulated seven points in the championship standings, demonstrating his skill as a driver.
In addition to his success in Formula One, Mairesse also had a successful career in sports-car racing, further demonstrating his driving prowess. His career in motorsport was impressive, and he is remembered as one of Belgium’s most successful racing drivers.
13. Olivier Gendebien
Olivier Jean Marie Fernand Gendebien was a highly respected Belgian racing driver who was widely regarded as one of the greatest sportscar racers in history. Gendebien began his career in the early 1950s and quickly developed a reputation as a talented driver.
He raced in many different prestigious events over the course of his career, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, and the Targa Florio. Gendebien was particularly successful at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning the race four times in a row between 1960 and 1963.
He was also a three-time winner of the Targa Florio. Gendebien was a highly skilled and experienced driver. He was known for his ability to stay focused during long races and for his quick reflexes.
His knowledge of the different tracks he raced on and his ability to maintain a consistent race strategy were also among his strengths. He was also known for his willingness to take risks, which often paid off for him.
Gendebien’s skill and success as a racer have led many to consider him one of the greatest sportscar racers of all time. His four consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and his three victories at the Targa Florio are a testament to his greatness.
His legacy will live on in the countless memories he created for fans and in the many stories of his heroic and amazing feats on the race track.
14. Thierry Boutsen
Thierry Marc Boutsen is a retired Belgian racing driver who left a lasting mark on the Formula One world. He had an impressive career, competing in 164 World Championship Grands Prix, and scored 132 career points.
This impressive record shows his skill as a driver, as he won three races and achieved 15 podiums. During his career, Boutsen raced for some of the biggest teams in Formula One, including Arrows, Benetton, Williams, Ligier and Jordan.
Boutsen also had the privilege of driving for the Williams team during the late 1980s and early 1990s, which saw Williams become one of the most successful teams in Formula One.
His ability to consistently produce results on the track made Boutsen one of the most respected drivers in Formula One, and he continues to be remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.
15. Arthur Legat
Arthur Legat was a talented Belgian racing driver who rose to fame in the early 1930s. He is best known for his participation in the Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, where he made his debut on June 22nd, 1952.
Although he did not score any championship points, he won the Grand Prix des Frontières at Chimay in both 1931 and 1932, driving a Bugatti. Legat was a formidable driver, and his success at the Grand Prix des Frontières made him a well-known name in the racing world.
He was a popular driver, and his presence was welcomed at many racing events. Despite his lack of success in the Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, his skill and determination on the track earned him a great reputation.
Legat’s career in the racing world was short-lived, but his accomplishments remain a testament to his skill and dedication. He was an inspiration to many aspiring drivers, and his legacy lives on.
Arthur Legat was a talented Belgian racing driver who will always be remembered for his passion and drive.
16. Georges Berger
Georges Berger was a racing driver with a long and successful career in motorsports. He was best known for his participation in two World Championship Formula One Grands Prix, during which he raced a Gordini.
Before entering the world of Formula One, however, Berger had already been a successful driver in his own right. Berger first gained recognition as a driver in the 1950s, when he competed in a Formula 2 BMW-engined Jicey.
During this time, he achieved a third-place finish in the Grand Prix des Frontières at Chimay. This impressive performance further cemented Berger as a formidable racing driver, and set the stage for his entry into the world of Formula One.
It was not until the 1960s that Berger competed in the World Championship Formula One Grands Prix. During this time, he raced a Gordini, a light and agile race car designed for high speeds.
Berger’s experience driving Formula 2 cars, combined with his mastery of the Gordini, allowed him to perform well in the Formula One Grands Prix. Throughout his career, Berger proved himself to be an outstanding and successful racing driver.
His time in Formula 2, along with his participation in two World Championship Formula One Grands Prix, highlighted his skill and determination in the world of motorsports.
17. André Pilette
André Théodore Pilette was a Belgian racing driver with a unique family lineage. He was the son of Théodore Pilette, a former participant in the famed Indianapolis 500 race.
André himself had an impressive career, making 14 appearances in Formula One World Championship Grands Prix. His debut was on 17 June 1951, and while he never won a race, he did manage to score two championship points.
This was quite an accomplishment considering the level of competition that was present during the time.
André Théodore Pilette was a part of a long line of racing drivers from Belgium, and his success in Formula One helped to further cement the country’s place in the international motorsports landscape.
His father’s participation in the Indianapolis 500, combined with André’s own successes, helped to build a legacy of racing excellence that is still revered today. In addition to his Formula One career, André Théodore Pilette also raced in a number of other disciplines.
He drove in several non-championship Formula One races, as well as in sports car racing and touring car racing. He even made an appearance in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1954.
His accomplishments in these other forms of motorsports further highlighted his skill and talent behind the wheel. André Théodore Pilette was a racing driver who was able to make his mark both on and off the track.
His legacy is still remembered to this day, and his accomplishments serve as a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
18. Didier Theys
Didier Maurice Theys is an accomplished Belgian sports car driver. He has made a name for himself in the world of motor racing, having achieved impressive victories in a variety of events.
He is a two-time overall winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, a grueling endurance race that requires drivers to push their cars to the limit. He also won the 12 Hours of Sebring, a race held on a 3.7-mile road course in Florida.
Theys is also the Sports Racing Prototype driver champion of the Grand-American Road Racing Association. To top it off, he was the winner of the 24 Hours of Spa, a legendary endurance race held on the world-famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.
Theys’ tireless dedication to the sport has made him a legend in the world of motor racing.
19. Jean-Michel Martin
Jean-Michel Martin is a highly successful Belgian racing driver. He has won the 24 Hours of Spa four times, twice of those victories being in 1979 and 1980 with his younger brother Philippe. His son, Maxime, has also achieved success in the same race, winning in 2016.
Martin also had a successful career in other events, such as the 1992 24 Hours Nürburgring, which he was a part of the winning team.
Jean-Michel Martin is a legendary racing driver and his accomplishments have been passed down through his family, showing the success is something that runs in the blood.
20. Bertrand Gachot
Bertrand Jean Gachot is a former racing driver who has dual French and Belgian nationality. Gachot had an impressive career in the junior formulae, starting out by winning a Formula Ford title in the late 1980s.
He then moved up to Formula 3 and Formula 3000, building on his success and gaining more experience. In 1989, Gachot was given the opportunity to enter Formula One, the most prestigious racing series in the world.
He made his debut that year and continued to compete in the sport for several more seasons, though he never achieved the same level of success he had had in the junior formulae.
Gachot eventually retired from racing in 1998, having enjoyed a successful career as a racing driver.
21. André Milhoux
André Milhoux was a Belgian racing driver who had the opportunity to participate in the Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. This event, the 1956 German Grand Prix, took place on 5 August 1956.
However, Milhoux was forced to discontinue the race after 15 laps due to an engine failure. Unfortunately, Milhoux was unable to receive any championship points for his participation. Milhoux was born in Belgium and had a passion for racing since an early age.
He was eventually able to compete in the Formula One World Championship Grand Prix, a prestigious event for any driver. On 5 August 1956, Milhoux had the chance to take part in the German Grand Prix.
Unfortunately, his engine failed after 15 laps, leaving him unable to complete the race.
As a result, he was not able to earn any championship points from the event. Although Milhoux was not able to make it to the finish line, he still has the honor of being the first Belgian to participate in a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix.
His participation serves as an example to future generations of Belgian racers, demonstrating that anything can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
22. Christian Goethals
Christian Roger Xavier Marie Joseph Ghislain Goethals was an accomplished racing driver from Belgium. He was passionate about racing and was known for his commitment and dedication to the sport.Goethals began his career as an amateur racer, competing in sports car races.
He showed great skill and determination in these races, often driving a Porsche Spyder in the 1950s.
His skill and dedication quickly earned him recognition in the racing world, and he went on to become one of the top drivers from Belgium. Goethals was known for his skill and agility behind the wheel.
His knowledge of car mechanics and racing tactics was remarkable, and he was always pushing himself to get better. He had a great deal of respect for his competitors and was always willing to help them improve their skills. Goethals was a true pioneer in the racing world.
He set an example for future generations, inspiring them to push themselves and pursue their dreams. His legacy lives on today, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers from Belgium.
23. Alain de Changy
Alain Carpentier de Changy was a professional racing driver from Belgium. He is most known for his attempt to compete in the Formula One World Championship Grand Prix at the 1959 Monaco Grand Prix.
He attempted the race with a Cooper car that was run by Ecurie Nationale Belge, however, he was unable to qualify for the race. Despite this setback, de Changy was much more successful in sports car racing and was able to make a name for himself in the world of motorsports.
His career in racing spanned a number of years and he was able to make a lasting impression on the motorsports industry. He was remembered as a skilled and talented driver, as well as a passionate and dedicated professional.
24. David Saelens
David Saelens is an accomplished racing driver from Belgium. He has been competing in a variety of racing classes throughout his career, including Formula Three, International Formula 3000, American Le Mans Series, and the DTM.
Most recently, in 2018, he participated in the Porsche Supercup. In 1998, Saelens achieved a major accomplishment when he won the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort.
This event is one of the most prestigious Formula 3 competitions in the world, and Saelens’ victory was a testament to his skill and determination as a driver. Throughout his career, Saelens has demonstrated his vast knowledge of the racing world.
He is a highly respected driver who has had success in a variety of classes. His impressive record demonstrates his commitment to excellence and his desire to succeed.
25. Teddy Pilette
Theodore “Teddy” Pilette is a Belgian former racing driver who made a name for himself in the world of Formula One. He was the son of André Pilette and the grandson of Théodore Pilette, who were both racing drivers before him.
This meant that Teddy was the third generation of his family to race, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Teddy made his Formula One debut on 12 May 1974, driving for Bernie Ecclestone’s Brabham team.
He went on to race in a total of four Grands Prix, all of which were Formula One World Championship events.
He was not successful in any of these races, but he still made a lasting impression on the sport. Teddy’s career and legacy have been passed down to future generations, and he is remembered as one of the pioneers of Formula One racing.
He will always be remembered as one of the greats of the sport and an inspiration to future generations.
26. Éric Bachelart
Éric Bachelart is a former professional race car driver, who has been involved in motor sports for many years. He first started his career as a driver in karting, racing in the Belgian Championship in the early 1980s. After that, he moved up to Formula 3, and then Formula 3000.
He competed in the latter championship for many years, until he retired from driving in 2003. Following his retirement, Bachelart started a career in team ownership.
He founded the Conquest Racing team in 2002 and quickly established it as one of the top teams in the motorsport world. The team competed in the Champ Car World Series, IndyCar Series, and the American Le Mans Series.
Throughout the team’s history, it achieved great success, including winning the 2008 Champ Car World Series championship. Bachelart’s experience as both a driver and a team owner has made him one of the most respected figures in the motorsport world.
He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he has been able to share with the next generation of race car drivers and teams. His influence has had a profound impact on the sport and will continue to shape the future of motorsport for many years to come.
27. Lando Norris
Lando Norris is a talented young racing driver from Great Britain and Belgium. He is currently competing in Formula One with McLaren, racing under the British flag. Norris has achieved a lot of success in his racing career to date.
In 2015, he won the MSA Formula championship and then followed that up with wins in the Toyota Racing Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup in 2016.
His skills behind the wheel have been well-recognized by many in the racing world and he is expected to continue his success in the coming years. He is an exciting young talent to watch in the Formula One world and is sure to make a lasting impression on the racing world.
28. Lance Stroll
Lance Strulovitch, more famously known as Lance Stroll, is a professional racing driver who competes in Formula One (F1) under the Canadian flag. He was born in Canada but has dual citizenship with Belgium.
Stroll has been driving for Aston Martin Racing since 2021, having previously raced for Williams and Racing Point. In 2018, Stroll made history by becoming the youngest driver ever to score points in F1, at just 18 years old.
Later that year, he became the youngest driver to record a podium finish in F1, when he came in third in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He has since gone on to secure further podium finishes in 2020 and 2021.
In 2021, Stroll made the move to Aston Martin Racing, replacing four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. This is a huge opportunity for Stroll, as he will be driving alongside multiple world champion, and seven-time race winner, Sergio Perez.
This is a major step in Stroll’s career, and it will be interesting to see how he performs alongside some of the most experienced drivers in F1. Overall, Lance Stroll has established himself as one of the most promising drivers in Formula One.
He has already achieved a number of impressive results at a young age, and his move to Aston Martin Racing could be the start of something special. It will be exciting to see what new heights Stroll can reach in the coming years.
29. Anthony Kumpen
Anthony Kumpen is a highly accomplished Belgian professional racing driver and team manager. He currently serves as the team manager for PK Carsport in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, a championship he has experienced great success in.
Kumpen has competed full-time in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series since 2013, and has gone on to win the championship twice, in 2014 and 2016. His dedication and skill have seen him become a two-time champion as well as a team manager.
He is an exemplary figure in the world of racing, and his accomplishments have been a source of inspiration for many aspiring drivers.
30. Théodore Pilette
Théodore Eugène Pilette was a pioneering Belgian race car driver, best known for being the first member of the Pilette racing dynasty. He began his racing career in 1903 and was the first Belgian to compete in the Indianapolis 500 in 1913 with his works Mercedes-Knight car.
His legacy lived on through his son André Pilette, and grandson Teddy Pilette, both of whom followed in his footsteps as race car drivers. Théodore was a pioneer of the sport in Belgium and his races were some of the most memorable of the era.
He was a celebrated driver who left behind an incredible legacy that continues to be celebrated and honored today.
31. Camille Jenatzy
Camille Jenatzy was a Belgian race car driver who made a name for himself in the racing world. He achieved the impressive feat of breaking the land speed record three times, and was the first man to break the 100 km/h barrier.
His accomplishments earned him the nickname “Le Diable Rouge”, which translates to “The Red Devil”, a reference to the red colour of his beard. Jenatzy’s racing career began in 1898 when he entered the Paris-Amsterdam race.
He won the race and went on to compete in many other races in Europe, including the Gordon Bennett Cup. In April 1899, he set the first land speed record of 66.65 mph, and went on to break it twice more in the same year.
He was the first person to break the 100 km/h barrier, a feat no one had achieved before. Jenatzy was known for his daring and risky driving style on the track. He was a fierce competitor and was always pushing the limits of speed.
He was also a favourite among the crowds, due to his jovial personality and his impressive accomplishments. Camille Jenatzy’s legacy lives on to this day. He is remembered as a daring and pioneering driver who changed the face of racing forever.
He will always be remembered as “Le Diable Rouge” — the Red Devil.
32. Sébastien Ugeux
Sébastian Ugeux is a Belgian race car driver who has competed in various motorsport events over the years. He first competed in 2001 in the FIA Sportscar Championship season, driving for the Lucchini Engineering team. Ugeux only raced in two races during that season.
Four years later, Ugeux returned to motorsport to compete in the 2005 Le Mans Series season, this time for Scuderia Villorba Corse. Interestingly, Scuderia Villorba Corse used the same Lucchini chassis that Ugeux had used in 2001.
Ugeux has since gone on to compete in other motorsport events, earning a reputation as a reliable and talented driver.
33. Wim Eyckmans
Wim Eyckmans is an experienced Belgian racecar driver who first began his career in karting in 1986. Since then, he has taken part in various types of racing, including prototype racing since 2003.
In 1994 and 1995, he competed in Formula 3000 and then moved on to participate in the Indy Lights series in 1998. The following year, he was asked to take part in the Indianapolis 500 by Cheever Racing. He finished 23rd, a respectable achievement.
Throughout his career, Wim Eyckmans has shown a dedication to motorsport and a willingness to take on new challenges. He has demonstrated his skill and finesse in various types of racing and is undoubtedly a talented racer.
34. Maxime Martin
Maxime Martin is a Belgian professional racing driver and the son of Jean-Michel Martin, a four-time winner of the Spa 24 Hours race. Maxime is currently a BMW factory driver and is most notably competing in the GT World Challenge Europe, driving for the Team WRT.
His father’s success in motorsports has undoubtedly inspired Maxime to pursue a career in racing, and it is clear that he is already making a name for himself in the sport.
His current team, Team WRT, is a Belgian-based team that competes in several series including the Blancpain GT Series, the Intercontinental GT Challenge, and the GT World Challenge Europe.
The GT World Challenge Europe is a championship that consists of multiple GT3 events, and Maxime has been competing in this series for several years now.
He has had some notable successes, including a win at the 2018 Total 24 Hours of Spa and a 2nd place finish in the 2020 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. With his current team and the support of BMW, Maxime is sure to continue to be successful in his racing career.
35. Jan Heylen
Jan Heylen is a professional racing driver from Belgium, currently based in Tampa, Florida. He has achieved great success in the racing world, becoming a champion in his field.
He started his career in Belgium, where he began to learn the fundamentals of racing and quickly developed a passion for it. Over the years, he has become a very skilled and talented driver, winning multiple championships in various racing categories.
He has competed all around the world, from Europe to Asia and the Americas, and is now based in Florida. His success is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport, and he is recognized as one of the best drivers in the world.
He continues to strive for success and glory and is an inspiration to many aspiring drivers.
36. Mauro Bianchi
Mauro Bianchi was born in Italy and is a Belgian racing driver. He is particularly famous for winning the 1965 Nürburgring 500 km, a race held at the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany, together with his brother Lucien.
Additionally, he won the 1966 Macau Grand Prix, a Formula 3 race held in Macau, China. In addition to his two major race wins, Bianchi also participated in six editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a legendary endurance race held annually in France.
He started in the race in 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968. This makes him one of the few drivers to have participated in the race for six consecutive years. Overall, Mauro Bianchi is an accomplished racing driver who has achieved a great deal in his career.
He is known for his skill, determination, and endurance, which have allowed him to achieve success in a range of different races.
37. Bernard de Dryver
Bernard de Dryver is a Belgian racing driver who hails from Brussels. He has competed in two World Championship Formula One Grands Prix, the Belgian Grand Prix in 1977 and 1978.
His first race in 1977 was in a non-works March, however, he was unable to make it to the starting grid. Despite this setback, he was undeterred and returned the following year to compete in the same event.
This shows the level of dedication and commitment that Bernard has for the sport. He is an inspiration to many aspiring drivers and proves that with hard work and determination anything is possible.
Conclusion
Belgium is home to some of the best auto racing players in the world. From the champions of the past to the rising stars of the present, the auto racing scene in Belgium is one of the most exciting and competitive in the entire world.
The drivers here have a passion for competition and a drive to win that has made them stand out from the rest. With their skill and determination, they are sure to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of auto racing.
