Who was the best triple World Champion?

In November 2012 Sebastian Vettel joined a very exclusive club in F1, the German became a triple Formula One World Champion.

Only nine drivers have ever won three or more titles during their careers.

Michael Schumacher of course leads the way with seven titles [1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004], Juan Manuel Fangio won five titles [1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957] and Alain Prost won four [1985, 1986, 1989, 1993].

The remainder have all won three titles, of which Vettel becomes the youngest and the first man ever to win his first three titles in succession.

But just where does he compare with the other drivers who have become triple World Champions?

Over the past month that has been the question posed on the front pages of Vital F1.

Jack Brabham [1959, 1960, 1966] took 1% of the poll, Niki Lauda [1975, 1977, 1984] and Nelson Piquet [1981, 1983, 1987] both took 3% of the vote, Britain’s only three times champion Jackie Stewart [1969, 1971, 1973] took 5% with Vettel taking 14%.

But the landslide victor was Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna [1988, 1990, 1991] who took 74% of the poll and the title of Vital F1’s Best triple World Champion.

Our latest poll asks: Biggest shock of 2012?

The options are:

7 races, 7 different winners

Rosberg’s victory

Maldonado’s victory

Vettel’s third title

Hamilton/Mercedes switch

The voting panel is found to the right of this article.