F1 – Max Verstappen: a record that calls for others?

Max Verstappen has not been defeated on a Grand Prix Sunday for more than 4 months. To find traces of his last setback to date, it is necessary to go back to April 30, during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix won by Sergio Pérez. At the time, the Mexican was on par with his teammate, the two Red Bull drivers then counting 2 victories each after 4 events.

From the following Grand Prix, on May 7 in Miami, Max Verstappen began an impressive series of successes which now constitute an absolute reference. Indeed, by remaining undefeated at the end of the Italian Grand Prix, disputed on Sunday September 3, the Dutchman totals 10 consecutive victories. Thus, he alone seizes a record held since 2013 by Sebastian Vettel, winner of the last 9 rounds of that season.

Consecutive wins

1. Max Verstappen – 10 straight wins (Miami at Italy 2023)
2. Sebastian Vettel – 9 consecutive wins (Belgium to Brazil 2013)
3. Alberto Ascari – 7 consecutive wins (Belgium 1952 to Argentina 1953)
4. Michael Schumacher – 7 consecutive wins (Europe to Hungary 2004)
5. Nico Rosberg – 7 consecutive wins (Mexico 2015 to Russia 2016)

As of the next Grand Prix, on September 17 in Singapore, the reigning double world champion can consider not only improving this record, but also aiming for others. In terms of series, this concerns in particular the number of consecutive podiums (19 for Michael Schumacher in 2001-2002) and the number of consecutive GPs passed with at least one lap in the lead (18 for Lewis Hamilton in 2014-2015).

Consecutive podiums

1. Michael Schumacher – 19 consecutive podiums (USA 2001 to Japan 2002)
2. Lewis Hamilton – 16 consecutive podiums (Italy 2014 to Great Britain 2015)
3. Max Verstappen – 15 consecutive podiums (Abu Dhabi 2022 to Italy 2023)
4. Fernando Alonso – 15 consecutive podiums (Türkiye 2005 to Canada 2006)
5. Sebastian Vettel – 11 consecutive podiums (Germany to Brazil 2013)

Consecutive GPs in the lead

1. Lewis Hamilton – 18 consecutive GPs in the lead (Hungary 2014 to Great Britain 2015)
2. Jackie Stewart – 17 consecutive GPs in the lead (USA 1968 to Belgium 1970)
3. Michael Schumacher – 15 consecutive GPs in the lead (Australia to Italy 2004)
4. Lewis Hamilton – 14 consecutive GPs in the lead (Styria to Bahrain 2020)
5. Sebastian Vettel – 13 consecutive GPs in the lead (Canada to Brazil 2013)
6. Max Verstappen – 12 consecutive GPs in the lead (Australia to Italy 2023)

On the side of the best percentage of success in a season, Max Verstappen is currently on a record pace, having won 12 of the 14 GPs contested to date, or 85.7% success. In more than seven decades of Formula 1, never has a driver done better than 75%, a ratio to the credit of Alberto Ascari (6 victories in 8 GP in 1952). The son of Jos Verstappen could also equal the prowess of Michael Schumacher in 2002, namely not missing a single podium in the same season, the German having finished in the Top 3 of each of the 17 GPs contested that year.

Best win ratio in a season

1. Max Verstappen (2023) – 85.7% wins (12 in 14 GP)
2. Alberto Ascari (1952) – 75% wins (6 in 8 GP)
3. Michael Schumacher (2004) – 72.2% wins (13 in 18 GP)
4. Jim Clark (1963) – 70% wins (7 in 10 GP)
5. Sebastian Vettel (2013) – 68.4% wins (13 in 19 GP)

Best podium ratio

1. Max Verstappen (2023) – 100% wins (14 in 14 GP)
2. Michael Schumacher (2002) – 100% wins (17 in 17 GP)
3. Jim Clark (1963) – 90% wins (9 in 10 GP)
4. Lewis Hamilton (2015) – 89.5% wins (17 in 19 GP)
5. Sebastian Vettel (2011) – 89.5% wins (17 in 19 GP)