Article:
Sebastian Vettel could break most of Formula 1's long-standing records if his relentless form continues for the rest of the year. Michele Merlino analyses his astonishing success plus the rest of the stats from the Singapore Grand Prix
By Michele Merlino
FORIX collaborator
The 2011 Formula 1 season has been about one man, and you don't have to guess too hard to work out who that is. In Singapore Sebastian Vettel's remarkable year continued as he romped to victory that put him on the brink of a second world title.
It's therefore time to chart Vettel's success this year and analyse the staggering number of all-time records the young German can still win should his steamroller of success continue for the rest of the season.
Vettel is well on the way to becoming an all-time great © sutton-images.com
Vettel chasing records
Vettel took his ninth win of the year at Marina Bay; the third highest total in F1 history, equalling Nigel Mansell's achievement of 1992. Only Michael Schumacher has won more in a single season, the German taking 11 victories in 2002 and 13 in '04. With five races to go, it is possible for Vettel to break Schumacher's record.
Only three drivers have had more pole positions in a single season than Vettel, thanks to the German's 11th of 2011 in Singapore. Mansell holds the record with 14 from '92, while Ayrton Senna was on pole 13 times in both '88 and '89 and Alain Prost repeated the Brazilian's achievement in '93.
Eight of Vettel's wins this year have come from pole position; the same number recorded by Schumacher in '04. Mansell's nine from '92 remains the record for now.
So to beat Mansells 9 win record from 16 starts in '92 he needs to win 11 races to beat the 56% record. 2 of the remaining 5 races.
To beat Schumachers all time record of 13 wins in 2004 he needs to win 14 races. So 4 of the last 5 races.
To beat Mansells pole record of 14 (from 16 starts) he needs 17 poles, so he cant actually beat Mansells record percentage-wise.
He can still just beat Sennas 13 poles from 16 start record if he gets pole in all of the remaining races. Would be 84% v 81%.
Thought I'd clear that up,
Tim
Edited by thiscocks, 28 September 2011 - 15:45.