Last year, the difference was abundantly clear: Max Verstappen drove 651 laps in the lead, while Lewis Hamilton drove only 246 laps in front over the entire season. Yet in the end, the difference in the World Cup was only eight points. This year it is a little closer together when we look at who all drove at the front in 2022.
It is not Verstappen who lingered the most laps from P1. That honour is reserved for Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver crossed the start-finish line first a total of 194 times in the seven races. Verstappen did that 142 times. The Dutchman has a large gap to Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio Perez. The difference is 73 laps. Otherwise, only Carlos Sainz and George Russell drove a pair in the lead this season.
Last year, Verstappen was a long time behind Lewis Hamilton in the world championship, while he had driven many more laps in the lead. We see that pattern now with Leclerc as well. The Monegasque should have been ahead of Verstappen based on this statistic, but nothing is further from the truth. Heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen is defending a nine-point lead.
Leclerc drives most laps in the lead in 2022
I think starting positions must be rewarded somehow. Eg 3 points for P1 2 for P2 3 for P3. It is hard work to achieve such and teams will pay a lot more respect to qualifying. And those who do not make it to top 10 for whatever reasons should be penalized. Eg oose points. That will discourage certain strong teams from deliberately choosing any position on the grid because they know they will catch up during the race. Drivers that cause accidents must be penalized with some penalties meaning not participating in the next race. This 5sec penalty or lost places on the grid doesnt seem fair enough to the disciplined teams and drivers
It's refreshing to not see hambaby on there but his teammate is.. Quality
Great stat and simply points to the fact it only matters who is first to the checkered flag. Interesting to see that Checo is featured on the list and Russell. The fact its just not all Max and Lec makes for a better season.
It's still a positive sign for Ferrari! Improve the race strategy and the wins will come!
Agree, I still believe Charles will win the WDC with the better car. He's another level up on Hamilton which Max will find it much harder to overcome unlike last year where the better driver in slower car reigned supreme.
I can see Red Bull closing that gap. Newey knows how to develop a car and notwithstanding the budget gap, Red Bull is know for its efficiency. If I’m not mistaken, the next big upgrade for Red Bull is at Silverstone.
It really only matters who leads the race when the checkers fly
Translation: SuperCharles has raw speed and natural talent and doesn't rely on exterbal factors for help.
Hows the therapy going since that glorious day in Abu Dhabi? ???
Leclerc might be very fast at one lap, nevertheless, too many variables in the race. A championship is won over an entire season by a team.
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