Kings of Cool: Eddie Irvine

I am offering for contemplation today a name that isn’t banded about, but a man who is every bit as worthy a winner as anybody else mentioned here.

In an age where Grand Prix drivers were as stage-managed and politically correct as any a cabinet minister, Eddie Irvine was outspoken and opinionated. Into a characterless world came a great character, and a hard driver.

When he made his Grand Prix debut in 1993, Swerve had the audacity to unlap himself by overtaking the great Ayrton Senna - twice!

He even managed to wind up the great man so much he was given a punch in the nose for his trouble.

His playboy lifestyle and passion for expensive toys was seemingly at odds with an era that demanded super-fit, super-professionalism.

Dispite this, let us not forget for a moment just how close Eddie came to being the first Ferrari World Champion in 20 years. For 2000 he joined the Jaguar team, and was able to boast on his CV two of the greatest motoring marques in history.