147 replies to this topic

[ForzaGTR]

Top 10 Lewis Hamilton Wins In F1

 

 

 

I'd forgotten how special that win in China 2011 was. Silverstone 08 will always give me chills, what an amazing day that was. 

 

Those Mclaren days were so special. I've always had this quiet hope that he might one day return to Mclaren, though time is running out. 

[Rinehart]

Congratulations Lewis on the ton!

Although the “this record won’t be beaten” is a regularly disproven belief, I think with Liberty (or perhaps Netflix in future) running the show - which is now as much a media platform as it is a sport - it’s likely domination won’t be allowed to develop like in the past. So I think the only way this record is likely to be beaten is if the number of races dramatically increases to 30+ per season.

[P123]

Congratulations Lewis on the ton!

Although the “this record won’t be beaten” is a regularly disproven belief, I think with Liberty (or perhaps Netflix in future) running the show - which is now as much a media platform as it is a sport - it’s likely domination won’t be allowed to develop like in the past. So I think the only way this record is likely to be beaten is if the number of races dramatically increases to 30+ per season.

 

Depends on what numbers he ends with, but there is already Max touching near to 20 victories, and he is only 23 with likely another 15 years at least left in the sport.  So quite achievable for the new generation to reach lofty figures too.

[P123]

Hopefully there's not too many more. This year has proven how much better the sport is when he's not able to win 8, 9, 10+ races a year. 

 

Let's hope there's more focus on first wins for this exciting new generation of drivers, rather than the umpteenth victory for Lewis, which has long since failed to really have any meaningful resonance for a lot of people. Just another record, hurrah! 

 

I did have to chuckle slightly at all this talk about him having to wait "so long" for his 100th. It had been precisely all of four races since his last few victory. Oh the poor poppet! How ever has he coped during such a mammoth amount of time? 

 

So long as it still brings out such petty bitterness, I think we know any victory of Lewis continues to have resonance even if the morose among us protest otherwise.

[Rinehart]

Depends on what numbers he ends with, but there is already Max touching near to 20 victories, and he is only 23 with likely another 15 years at least left in the sport. So quite achievable for the new generation to reach lofty figures too.

Based on the patterns of F1 of the past, sure. But I’m guessing the future will be more INDYCAR like in terms of competitiveness and randomness. Not straight away but by say 2030 it will get to that. F1 is in the entertainment business. They’re focusing on the younger fan that definitely doesn’t want to see 1 driver winning 12 races a season.

[P123]

Based on the patterns of F1 of the past, sure. But I’m guessing the future will be more INDYCAR like in terms of competitiveness and randomness. Not straight away but by say 2030 it will get to that. F1 is in the entertainment business. They’re focusing on the younger fan that definitely doesn’t want to see 1 driver winning 12 races a season.

 

12/30 though isn't so bad as 12/17.
 

Artificially randomising things may prove as much of a turn-off as periods of domination, so a fine line to tread.

[smitten]

They’re focusing on the younger fan that definitely doesn’t want to see 1 driver winning 12 races a season.

Now, as then, many fans are reasonably happy with one driver winning 12 races in a season - as long as it is 'their' driver!

[Roadhouse]

Now, as then, many fans are reasonably happy with one driver winning 12 races in a season - as long as it is 'their' driver!

 

I honestly would've stopped paying attention seasons ago if I were a Hamilton fan.

So I guess Hamilton and his fans have the same kind of perseverance. 

[smitten]

I honestly would've stopped paying attention seasons ago if I were a Hamilton fan.

So I guess Hamilton and his fans have the same kind of perseverance. 

Turn that the other way, why haven't *you* stopped paying attention?  If you'd apparently get so bored of somebody you do support winning and setting incredible records, why on earth are you still watching somebody you don't support do so?

 

I can't think of any sports where fans truly and in any numbers say "I'm bored of my athlete/team winning, please make it stop"

[Bleu]

Verstappen would need to win 83 races in 12 years to be where Lewis is now at same age. Seven wins each year would do that. Then it's another question where the record would be at that point, considering Hamilton still has contract for two more years.

[Roadhouse]

Turn that the other way, why haven't *you* stopped paying attention?  If you'd apparently get so bored of somebody you do support winning and setting incredible records, why on earth are you still watching somebody you don't support do so?

 

I can't think of any sports where fans truly and in any numbers say "I'm bored of my athlete/team winning, please make it stop"

 

Luckily, everyone was so used to Hamilton driving lonely at the front, you'd rarely see him on the feed. 

The person I do support usually manages to amuse me during races. He's still at the point where he wins races, instead of not lose them. Even though Max didn't win, Russia was more entertaining than races which he led from start to finish.

 

I mean, come on, when 4 races without a win is considered as a terrible drought for Lewis and his fans you're not used to much competition.

And to see how some fans were willing to drop Lewis, even suggesting he should've quit last season because he hasn't faultlessly driven off into the sunset yet. Comes across as rather not seeing your favorite driver at all than him possibly being bested by someone else.

[MaroF1]

Incredible achievement from Lewis. From his 1st corner in Formula 1 , you knew that the guy was going to be special and brilliant. Although it is an individual achievement, it is a team effort,at the end of the day. I dont want to discredit Lewis or anything, he is surely one of the best drivers ever, but I cant help but think that he isnt the only driver who would have won 100 Grand Prix with the cars he has driven in his carrer. You have to say with 2007,2008,2010,2012(maybe),2014-2021, that is 12 seasons of a car that is capable of fighting or winning the championship.Not a single driver enjoyed this many dominant machinery in his carrer, but Lewis earned it with his great decisions in the right place and at the right time. But as said previously, I think drivers like Alonso or Verstappen with thoose cars would have won the championships he has won as well and probably the same amount of races. One thing that is brilliant with Lewis, he doesnt get tired of winning and even when he has racked up the championships he is always hungry for more, and he and Mercedes win races that they probably shouldnt have, so only thing you can do is raise the cap for them and simply say "Bravo".

Edited by MaroF1, 28 September 2021 - 18:26.

[P123]

I honestly would've stopped paying attention seasons ago if I were a Hamilton fan.

So I guess Hamilton and his fans have the same kind of perseverance. 

It's kind of hard to when FOM are busy flashing it up on screen.   We can go back to ignoring bare stats now.  I don't think any other records to be broken/ milestones to reach.

[MaroF1]

Verstappen would need to win 83 races in 12 years to be where Lewis is now at same age. Seven wins each year would do that. Then it's another question where the record would be at that point, considering Hamilton still has contract for two more years.

 

I think Max can actually break this record. I mean it all depends on the cars he will driver in his carrer, but he will surely drive 15+ more years at least. Lets say he wins 6 races every season, and surely he will sometimes have a dominant car for year or two(where he wins 10,11 or 12 races) but sometimes he will have some crappy years.So that is 90 wins + 20 after this year( ) that would put him at 110. Very much doable, and I feel like he will be the driver every team would want to have(he will be the deciding factor), not that political,does his job on the track and is probably already the best driver on the grid, and rarely even puts a foot wrong. Tbh I cant see anyone else breaking Hamiltons records, than him. And about the 8 tittles, well I feel like that is a long shot and probably impossible but never say never!

[F1Johnny]

I think Max can actually break this record. I mean it all depends on the cars he will driver in his carrer, but he will surely drive 15+ more years at least. Lets say he wins 6 races every season, and surely he will sometimes have a dominant car for year or two(where he wins 10,11 or 12 races) but sometimes he will have some crappy years.So that is 90 wins + 20 after this year( ) that would put him at 110. Very much doable, and I feel like he will be the driver every team would want to have(he will be the deciding factor), not that political,does his job on the track and is probably already the best driver on the grid, and rarely even puts a foot wrong. Tbh I cant see anyone else breaking Hamiltons records, than him. And about the 8 tittles, well I feel like that is a long shot and probably impossible but never say never!

 

Agreed.  If Max has a run like Lewis has had at Mercedes (2014-2020), without a Nico Rosberg type challenge, I think it will be fairly straightforward to achieve 100 wins, especially with 20+ races per season. he could win 12 races per year and hit 100.  

 

Will he have the passion and drive that Lewis still has in the next 6-10 years? That is critical to achieving it IMO.  Schumacher had it too.  Let's see.

[MaroF1]

Agreed.  If Max has a run like Lewis has had at Mercedes (2014-2020), without a Nico Rosberg type challenge, I think it will be fairly straightforward to achieve 100 wins, especially with 20+ races per season. he could win 12 races per year and hit 100.  

 

Will he have the passion and drive that Lewis still has in the next 6-10 years? That is critical to achieving it IMO.  Schumacher had it too.  Let's see.

 

 

Well Max said in an interview few months ago that his target is to win 20 tittles in his carrer, but he also said he has to be realistic. Max,Hamilton,Alonso,Schumacher,Senna etc.. all have that killer instict,and when they win they are probably happy for few days,but are looking forward more to the next win and so on..

[ayanate]

Congratulations Lewis Hamilton, well earned milestone.               

[ayanate]

I think Max can actually break this record. I mean it all depends on the cars he will driver in his carrer, but he will surely drive 15+ more years at least. Lets say he wins 6 races every season, and surely he will sometimes have a dominant car for year or two(where he wins 10,11 or 12 races) but sometimes he will have some crappy years.So that is 90 wins + 20 after this year( ) that would put him at 110. Very much doable, and I feel like he will be the driver every team would want to have(he will be the deciding factor), not that political,does his job on the track and is probably already the best driver on the grid, and rarely even puts a foot wrong. Tbh I cant see anyone else breaking Hamiltons records, than him. And about the 8 tittles, well I feel like that is a long shot and probably impossible but never say never!

Lando and George will have something to say about that. Those two are only going to get better.

[Rodaknee]

It'll be interesting to see how long it'll be before Hamilton's points total is beaten.  He's currently just over 4,000, but that includes 2 seasons when only 10 points were given to winners.  With suggestions that points go to all finishers, it won't be very long at all.

[F1Johnny]

Well Max said in an interview few months ago that his target is to win 20 tittles in his carrer, but he also said he has to be realistic. Max,Hamilton,Alonso,Schumacher,Senna etc.. all have that killer instict,and when they win they are probably happy for few days,but are looking forward more to the next win and so on..

 

He won't win 20 WDC titles, not in the current format. He'd have to win every year until he's 43.  There are some 5 year olds coming up that will interrupt that for sure.

[flyboym3]

I think Max can actually break this record. I mean it all depends on the cars he will driver in his carrer, but he will surely drive 15+ more years at least. Lets say he wins 6 races every season, and surely he will sometimes have a dominant car for year or two(where he wins 10,11 or 12 races) but sometimes he will have some crappy years.So that is 90 wins + 20 after this year( ) that would put him at 110. Very much doable, and I feel like he will be the driver every team would want to have(he will be the deciding factor), not that political,does his job on the track and is probably already the best driver on the grid, and rarely even puts a foot wrong. Tbh I cant see anyone else breaking Hamiltons records, than him. And about the 8 tittles, well I feel like that is a long shot and probably impossible but never say never!

So.many drivers get burnt out though or don't have the consistency.
I mean Schumacher thought Vettel would take his records but look how he aged and vettel started young too.
So it doesn't matter that max is young, only that can he be as consistent and maintain form as he hits his 30s. I think he started so young that he'll end up form dipping like vettel. Also easier to beat if he has non wdc capable teamate lapdogs like Schumacher had.
Somebody already kindky posted Lewis would have 20% more wins if he had teamate vetos.

Edited by flyboym3, 28 September 2021 - 21:16.

[Spillage]

100 wins is a really amazing achievement.  Feel like he should have gotten out the car and raised the helmet on a cricket bat

[Leibowitz]

Max is the best candidate to break the record, but I wouldn’t bet my money on it. After the Brazilian grand prix in 2013 Vettel was a 26 year old 4x WDC with 39 wins compared to 28 year old Lewis Hamilton with 1 WDC and 22 wins. We know how that turned out.

[messy]

I doubt this record will be broken any time soon. Like with Schumacher, it’s 50% brilliant driver factor and 50% brilliant decision factor. Hamilton is a great driver, has in my view just got better with age (although I’d argue this hasn’t been a vintage season by his standards), has developed so visibly from the brilliant but flawed driver of the McLaren days into this title-winning machine of an elder statesman. But let’s be honest - and I’m sure it’s already been said - that call to join Mercedes, that was the moment the records were all set in motion to tumble because nobody has enjoyed such a sustained spell at the top of the tree with such brilliant machinery season after season. I really doubt any team will match the sustained dominance of Mercedes for some time and so these records might be here to stay. I kinda hope so because I don’t really like to see one-team dominance, I can appreciate Lewis and some of his best drives but it’s been a slog at times. The Red Bull, Ferrari and Williams dominance periods all lasted significantly fewer seasons than this although I’d argue it’s over for now this year.

But when Schumacher retired, I never thought we’d see his records being beaten, let alone less than ten years later.

Edited by messy, 28 September 2021 - 21:26.

[MaroF1]

So.many drivers get burnt out though or don't have the consistency.
I mean Schumacher thought Vettel would take his records but look how he aged and vettel started young too.
So it doesn't matter that max is young, only that can he be as consistent and maintain form as he hits his 30s. I think he started so young that he'll end up form dipping like vettel. Also easier to beat if he has non wdc capable teamate lapdogs like Schumacher had.
Somebody already kindky posted Lewis would have 20% more wins if he had teamate vetos.

 

Silly.Michael was always astronomically clear of his teammates, and the one victory he got from Rubens,he returned the favour multiple times in 2002 (Hungary and USA). He never started as a clear number one and with the car that was quicker than his teammate,but he was just better than Rubens and when they got into latter stages of the championship, Rubens had to help him out(Austria 2001,Canada 2000,Austria 2002). But at least Michael gave back the win in Indianapolis, same cant be said about Lewis to Valtteri after Sochi 2018.And yes he has had better teammates(like Rosberg,Button and Alonso) but at the end of the day he enjoyed much better machinery over longer periods of times.As for Verstappen,I dont see him going the same way as Vettel,who always showed cracks even when he was young, but thoose mistakes were masked by heavily dominant cars and an average teammate not pushing him hard enough.Max is in his 1st championship battle against a guy who has 100 wins,101 pole positions and who is fighting for his 8th World Tittle, and the team who have won 7 tittles in a row, and he hasnt shown a near crack within him(famous last words),so no... its highly unlikely that he will go down same road as Seb. For breaking the records, as said, the car will play the biggest role into that.Maybe he will have 100 wins before he turns 30 or he will go down Alonso's path.

[teejay]

I've been so busy with life, so have not posted here much. 

 

But had to pop in. 

 

100. One freaking hundred. 

 

Amazing. When Michael got to 91, no one imagined he would be would be beaten. 

 

People will always be polarised by Lewis. But the numbers don't lie. He is the GOAT, and one of the all time greatest people to get behind the wheel of a racing car. 

[F1Johnny]

Silly.Michael was always astronomically clear of his teammates, and the one victory he got from Rubens,he returned the favour multiple times in 2002 (Hungary and USA). He never started as a clear number one and with the car that was quicker than his teammate,but he was just better than Rubens and when they got into latter stages of the championship, Rubens had to help him out(Austria 2001,Canada 2000,Austria 2002). But at least Michael gave back the win in Indianapolis, same cant be said about Lewis to Valtteri after Sochi 2018.And yes he has had better teammates(like Rosberg,Button and Alonso) but at the end of the day he enjoyed much better machinery over longer periods of times.As for Verstappen,I dont see him going the same way as Vettel,who always showed cracks even when he was young, but thoose mistakes were masked by heavily dominant cars and an average teammate not pushing him hard enough.Max is in his 1st championship battle against a guy who has 100 wins,101 pole positions and who is fighting for his 8th World Tittle, and the team who have won 7 tittles in a row, and he hasnt shown a near crack within him(famous last words),so no... its highly unlikely that he will go down same road as Seb. For breaking the records, as said, the car will play the biggest role into that.Maybe he will have 100 wins before he turns 30 or he will go down Alonso's path.

 

Michael's situation at Ferrari was a clear (written in contract) number 1. Austria 2002 was ridiculous, in the 6th race of the season.

 

Does a team provide better machinery over a long period of time for a driver that is losing their edge?  Look at what happened with MS in 2006.  I imagine there will come a time that Lewis and Mercedes decide to part ways, either for him to go to another team or for him to retire, but right now, the only other driver I would put in the car were I Toto, is Max.  The George competition will be interesting next year.

 

Going to be hard to get the 100 wins for Max, but if anyone can do it, it's him.  He won't get it by age 30 though and if he did we would be in for a really boring 7/8 seasons.

[dave34m]

 

 

Going to be hard to get the 100 wins for Max, but if anyone can do it, it's him.  He won't get it by age 30 though and if he did we would be in for a really boring 7/8 seasons.

 I agree that it will be tough for Max to get to 100, if you look at his career to date compared to Lewis then it is doable. Max has 17 wins from his first 7 seasons while at the same stage in his career Lewis had 22 wins so not a huge difference, in Lewis' next 8 seasons he has 78 wins averaging almost 10 wins a year.

 

Of course there are more races each year now so that will help to get to 100 wins. Still a very tough ask, but as you say, if anyone can do it, its Max

[Rediscoveryx]

100 wins is ridiculously impressive. I reckon he’ll end up somewhere around 110-120 or so, which is just insane…

[Augurk]

I sincerly hope no one will ever reach 100 wins again.
Not because I desperately want Lewis to top that list, but because it's just a statistical anomaly caused by a (for the sport) unhealthy long period of single team domination.
I really hope we never get anything like that again.

Lewis deserves his place amongst the greatest, surely. He's proven himself worthy of that. But let's not forget he had 21 wins with 6 seasons in McLaren. Then got 74 wins in his next 8 seasons with Mercedes.
A remarkable achievement, but through this unprecedented period of one team being able to steamroll F1 it's become a bit hollow and meaningless.

There's more value in looking at the individual wins he had and some of the beautiful performances he delivered than looking at the number.

Edited by Augurk, 30 September 2021 - 11:08.

[Rediscoveryx]

I sincerly hope no one will ever reach 100 wins again.

Not because I desperately want Lewis to top that list, but because it's just a statistical anomaly caused by a (for the sport) unhealthy long period of single team domination. 

I really hope we never get anything like that again. 

 

Lewis deserves his place amongst the greatest, surely. He's proven himself worthy of that. But let's not forget he had 21 wins with 6 seasons in McLaren. Then got 84 wins in his next 8 seasons with Mercedes.

A remarkable achievement, but through this unprecedented period of one team being able to steamroll F1 it's become a bit hollow and meaningless.

 

There's more value in looking at the individual wins he had and some of the beautiful performances he delivered than looking at the number. 

 

 

So... he's on 105 wins now? 

 

But yes, you're point is right. It's not healthy for the sport.

 

In terms of judging driver skill, I kind of feel that once you're above X wins, or let's say 3 WDC's then the law of diminishing returns kick in. A driver who wins 80 races is not necessarily a stronger driver than one who wins 25. The machinery at hand is what makes the difference in those cases (in addition to the number of races per season and career longevity).

Edited by Rediscoveryx, 30 September 2021 - 10:48.

[Augurk]

So... he's on 105 wins now?

But yes, you're point is right. It's not healthy for the sport.

In terms of judging driver skill, I kind of feel that once you're above X wins, or let's say 3 WDC's then the law of diminishing returns kick in. A driver who wins 80 races is not necessarily a stronger driver than one who wins 25. The machinery at hand is what makes the difference in those cases (in addition to the number of races per season and career longevity).

Woops.. I stand corrected! 74 with Merc up to 2020. And I fully agree with you. Maybe even 2 WDC so we can include Fred.

[Marklar]

I'm quite certain it will be broken. If not by a dominance then by a crazy long calendar (I think 50 races, 25 a 2 per weekend are realistic). Max for instance only needs to average about 6-7 per year if he lasts as long as Lewis does currently. by no means certain, but quite realistic

[JimmyClark]

I sincerly hope no one will ever reach 100 wins again.

 

Not because I desperately want Lewis to top that list, but because it's just a statistical anomaly caused by a (for the sport) unhealthy long period of single team domination. 

 

I really hope we never get anything like that again.

Lewis deserves his place amongst the greatest, surely. He's proven himself worthy of that. But let's not forget he had 21 wins with 6 seasons in McLaren. Then got 84 wins in his next 8 seasons with Mercedes.

A remarkable achievement, but through this unprecedented period of one team being able to steamroll F1 it's become a bit hollow and meaningless.

 

There's more value in looking at the individual wins he had and some of the beautiful performances he delivered than looking at the number. 

 

 

 

Yes, certainly the Mercedes years skew it somewhat. An interesting stat is 'wins not in a car that won the constructors' championship that year'. If you look at all the drivers who have won 25 races or more, it looks like this (note: I'm counting McLaren as 2007 winners, and disregarding 2021 wins as the season hasn't finished yet):

 

 

Lewis Hamilton - 21 (22% of his wins)

Michael Schumacher - 32 (35% of his wins)

Sebastian Vettel - 19 (36% of his wins)

Alain Prost - 21 (41% of his wins)

Ayrton Senna - 14 (34% of his wins)

Fernando Alonso - 14 (44% of his wins)

Nigel Mansell - 10 (32% of his wins)

Jackie Stewart - 15 (56% of his wins)

Jim Clark - 9 (36% of his wins)

Niki Lauda - 6 (24% of his wins)

 

Obviously this is very flawed and basic (it would need someone much cleverer at maths than me can do it weighted on car performance etc. as CC points don't take into account speed v reliability, plus pre-75 the points were only the best car, and obviously top drivers gravitate to top teams), but still interesting to see. 

 

As for 100 wins again, I can see it happening without a dominant driver/car package being needed. If we go up to 25 races a year, and drivers' careers start young, you only need a driver racing from 18 to 38 and winning 5 races (1 in 5) a year. 

Edited by JimmyClark, 30 September 2021 - 12:28.

[Rediscoveryx]

Yes, certainly the Mercedes years skew it somewhat. An interesting stat is 'wins not in a car that won the constructors' championship that year'. If you look at all the drivers who have won 25 races or more, it looks like this (note: I'm counting McLaren as 2007 winners, and disregarding 2021 wins as the season hasn't finished yet):

 

 

Lewis Hamilton - 21 (22% of his wins)

Michael Schumacher - 32 (35% of his wins)

Sebastian Vettel - 19 (36% of his wins)

Alain Prost - 21 (41% of his wins)

Ayrton Senna - 14 (34% of his wins)

Fernando Alonso - 14 (44% of his wins)

Nigel Mansell - 10 (32% of his wins)

Jackie Stewart - 15 (56% of his wins)

Jim Clark - 9 (36% of his wins)

Niki Lauda - 6 (24% of his wins)

 

Obviously this is very flawed and basic (it would need someone much cleverer at maths than me can do it weighted on car performance etc. as CC points don't take into account speed v reliability, plus pre-75 the points were only the best car, and obviously top drivers gravitate to top teams), but still interesting to see. 

 

As for 100 wins again, I can see it happening without a dominant driver/car package being needed. If we go up to 25 races a year, and drivers' careers start young, you only need a driver racing from 18 to 38 and winning 5 races (1 in 5) a year. 

 

 

An interesting stat is 'wins not in a car that won the constructors' championship that year'. If you look at all the drivers who have won 15 races or more, it looks like this (note: I'm counting McLaren as 2007 winners, and disregarding 2021 wins as the season hasn't finished yet):

 

 

Lewis Hamilton - 21 (7.9% of starts)

Michael Schumacher - 32 (10.5% of starts)

Sebastian Vettel - 19 (7.4% of starts)

Alain Prost - 21 (10.6% of starts)

Ayrton Senna - 14 (8.7% of starts)

Fernando Alonso - 14 (4.3% of starts)

Nigel Mansell - 10 (5.3% of starts)

 

 

 

 

Obviously this is very flawed and basic (e.g .the driver could be the reason a team won the constructors' title, or obviously the best constructor tends to go for the best drivers!), but still interesting to see. 

 

Are you removing the starts where the driver is in the constructors championship winning car? I think you'd need to do that (for percentages) and only look at the years spent outside of the championship winning cars, as those otherwise will be racked up as starts but with wins not counted.

[Singularity]

Sad thing for Lewis is that it will take a while until he gets a chance to take back that record.

[JimmyClark]

Are you removing the starts where the driver is in the constructors championship winning car? I think you'd need to do that (for percentages) and only look at the years spent outside of the championship winning cars, as those otherwise will be racked up as starts but with wins not counted.

 

Oops sorry, yes I realised that and changed the % I was posting (I was doing this in a rush on my break, literally on the back of an envelope) and forgot to delete the first set of figures I'd written. Doh! Deleted now

 

Anyway, as I said not to be taken too seriously, it was something I wanted to work out having read the post I quoted. 

Edited by JimmyClark, 30 September 2021 - 12:30.

[ToniF1]

Every Circuit Where Lewis Hamilton Has Won A Grand Prix

 

 

The seven-time world champion has won more races (100 and counting) at more circuits (29 to date!) than any driver in the history of F1.

Edited by ToniF1, 02 October 2021 - 14:25.

[ARTGP]

I'm quite certain it will be broken. If not by a dominance then by a crazy long calendar (I think 50 races, 25 a 2 per weekend are realistic). Max for instance only needs to average about 6-7 per year if he lasts as long as Lewis does currently. by no means certain, but quite realistic

 

Are we really going to start counting the sprint races as race wins now?   . This is truly the point of no return.  Have a dominant season like Merc or RedBull and you could have near 50 "race wins" in a single season.

Edited by ARTGP, 02 October 2021 - 14:34.

[Marklar]

Are we really going to start counting the sprint races as race wins now? . This is truly the point of no return. Have a dominant season like Merc or RedBull and you could have near 50 "race wins" in a single season.

i think they will turn the sprint races into regular length races, I'm convinced that introducing this over the backdoor is the whole reason for the current exercise

[YamahaV10]

This glory sure could have been spread out more evenly. But that's not the world we live in. Its dog eat dog, inequality is intrinsic to the world. Nico Hulkenberg had no podiums, and Hamilton has 100 wins.

 

Its an indictment on the hybrid era. One team running away with the sport for 7+ years, hogging all the fame and fortune. While 50 other drivers and teams dreams are dashed.

 

 

Congrats Hamilton. I hope we never see it again.

[ForzaGTR]

Verstappen would need to win 83 races in 12 years to be where Lewis is now at same age. Seven wins each year would do that. Then it's another question where the record would be at that point, considering Hamilton still has contract for two more years.

In 2006, it seemed inconceivable that Alonso wouldn't win way more titles, but he didn't, despite his talent and racing for top teams. And he's arguably a better driver than Verstappen.

F1 can be both immensely generous and cruel. There's no guarantees in F1, and as unlikely as it seems at the moment, Max may never win a single title

Edited by ForzaGTR, 08 October 2021 - 08:50.

[HeadFirst]

Many seem so sure that Verstappen will be the one challenging, or even surpassing this achievement. This seems somewhat myopic to me. Remember that not only does Max have the likes of Russell, Leclerc and Norris (and possibly drivers to be named later) to contend with, he will need to be successful in choosing correctly every time a team change is considered. Not as easy as it may seem, even when you are a top talent. Just ask Fernando.

[Ivanhoe]

Exactly, and I really hope Max (and nor George, Lando or Charles for that matter) won’t break Lewis’s record. Some boring seasons lie ahead of us if he does.

[Rediscoveryx]

Many seem so sure that Verstappen will be the one challenging, or even surpassing this achievement. This seems somewhat myopic to me. Remember that not only does Max have the likes of Russell, Leclerc and Norris (and possibly drivers to be named later) to contend with, he will need to be successful in choosing correctly every time a team change is considered. Not as easy as it may seem, even when you are a top talent. Just ask Fernando.

 

It won't be down to driver skill as much as it will be down to who happens to be in the right team at the right time with the right (i.e not good enough to challenge him) team mate. In conjunction with how much race inflation we will have in the future years. In a 30-race-per-season future it won't necessarily take such a long time for someone to start sniffing around at three-digit wins again.

 

On the other hand; if the ridiculous enforced reliability rules could finally be scrapped, and other cost reducing measures (such as token systems for engine upgrades, or rule stability for X years) scrapped then that would make it very very difficult for one team/driver combo to maintain dominance for as long as the Lewis/Mercedes-juggernaut has been on top. 

[P123]

It's just the natural progression of better reliability along with more rounds in the championship.  And drivers also start their careers earlier so the current generation and beyond will have longer careers.  Topping 100 will likely become the norm of a successful career, much like when it was 25 wins, or 50 wins. The championship has gone from 8 rounds to 12, to 16, to 18, to 20 and now seems like 25 will be the usual length of a season.  A driver winning 10/25 races will not mean a boring season in the same way as a driver winning 10/16.  But their ultimate career records will still fly to lofty figures. 

[jjcale]

Exactly, and I really hope Max (and nor George, Lando or Charles for that matter) won’t break Lewis’s record. Some boring seasons lie ahead of us if he does.

 

Ive thoroughly enjoyed the hybrid era ... dominance is the result of excellence - and an aspect of sport is celebrating excellence ... so even if your favourite driver is not winning, you should still be able to appreciate the spectacle .... which by definition is more of a rarity than other possible outcomes.... you are literally watching history being made. I am grateful to have been alive to see it.  

[Ramon69]

It's hard to believe that anyone will match this incredible record... it truly is a great achievement!