Before we begin...

What makes a great grand prix? That’s the rather tricky question we had to ask ourselves in order to compile this list.

The hardest thing about ranking material such as this is each and every one will mean a different thing to a different person. Some favour certain races due to pure emotion, laden with memories of attending events with loved ones and friends, taking in the sights and sounds and seeing their heroes go to battle up close.

Others will be more impressed by certain historical significance, milestone achievements or virtuoso performances – a race won by over a minute may not sound enthralling, but it can be when the circumstance, skill and endeavour are appreciated. And then there’s the reason we all fell in love with this sport, the simple thrill of seeing cars duelling wheel-to-wheel, man and machinery intertwined and pushed to the limit in the simple endeavour of being the fastest. Within this list you’ll find examples of all of this; from flat-out thrashes to defining moments, nail-biting title deciders, dramatic twists, photo finishes, surprise winners, feats of endurance and so much more.

Will you agree with our choice and order? Probably not. In any exercise such as this, there is no definitive list – because there can’t be. Our top 75 is based on opinion, nothing more, designed to be a bit of fun and to spark good-natured debate among fans of the world’s greatest sport.

So turn the page, delve in – and whatever you do, don’t take it too seriously.

Writers Key: DS, Damien Smith; NSR, Nigel Roebuck; SA, Simon Arron; PF, Paul Fearnley; ACH, Alex Harmer; RL, Robert Ladbrook