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Lewis Hamilton

Verstappen on course to lose modern-day F1 record to Hamilton

The two most successful drivers in modern F1 could be about to trade an all-time record between currently active drivers.

Hamilton Verstappen Singapore
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Of the 180 grands prix held since Max Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, he and Lewis Hamilton have won 123 of them. 

With their 61 and 105 grand prix wins respectively, the two drivers have some of the highest percentages of all-time, and currently rank fourth and fifth on the list, only behind Juan Manuel Fangio, Alberto Ascari and Jim Clark. 

Of course, that means Verstappen and Hamilton are first and second among active drivers, and are closely matched. 

From his 206 starts, Verstappen's 61 wins gives him a percentage of 30.05% compared to Hamilton's 105 wins from 350 starts for a 30.00% strike rate.

Verstappen climbed above Hamilton earlier in the season, with his dominance over the past three years seeing Hamilton's percentage plummet from the 35.76% it was after he won his 103rd race in his 287th start at the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP. 

But Verstappen's own numbers have fallen after his mini-slump in mid-2024. 

Should he fail to win in the upcoming United States Grand Prix, Verstappen's mark will fall to 29.46%, dropping him even below Michael Schumacher's 29.75% with his 91 wins from 306 starts.

Should the Dutchman fail to win any of the remaining six grands prix in the current season, his mark will fall to 29.18%. For those wondering, if Hamilton does not secure another win in his final six races for Mercedes, he will fall to 29.49%.

Of currently active drivers, the next best driver on the list is Fernando Alonso, with 32 wins from his 395 starts. It gives him a percentage of 8.10%. 

NOTE: The table below does not include the Indianapolis 500 races on the F1 calendar between 1950-1960. If it did, Lee Wallard would top the list with a 50% win rate, having claimed the 1951 '500 in his second and final world championship start.

Highest-win percentages in F1 history - excluding Indy 500

Rank Driver Starts Wins Percentage
1. Juan Manuel Fangio 51 24 47.06%
2. Alberto Ascari 32 13 40.63%
3. Jim Clark 72 25 34.72%
4. Max Verstappen 203 61 30.05%
5. Lewis Hamilton 350 103 30.00%
6. Michael Schumacher 306 91 29.74%
7. Sir Jackie Stewart 99 27 27.27%
8. Alain Prost 199 51 25.63%
9. Ayrton Senna 161 41 25.47%
10. Sir Stirling Moss 66 16 24.24%

Also interesting:

In a very special episode of the RacingNews365 podcast, lead editor Ian Parkes and Nick Golding are joined by three-time F1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart. The current F1 season, the sport's safety and Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari are leading talking points.

If you'd rather watch than listen - the video is available here!

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