What championship title is awarded to Formula 1's top driver each season?

Formula 1's top driver each season receives the World Drivers' Championship title. It is awarded by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, or FIA, to the driver who earns the most championship points across the season's Grands Prix.

The championship began in 1950, when Giuseppe Farina became its first winner for Alfa Romeo. Points are awarded according to finishing positions, with additional rules applying to sprint events and fastest laps in certain seasons. The driver with the highest total is crowned champion, even though the championship may be decided before the final race.

This title is separate from the Constructors' Championship, which rewards the combined performance of a team's cars. The Drivers' Championship belongs to an individual driver, while the Constructors' Championship belongs to the constructor. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the record for most Drivers' titles, with seven each.