F1 News
Records to be broken in 2021: Verstappen most successful without F1 Championship?
2020 was a record year for Formula 1, thanks in particular to Lewis Hamilton. He equalled Michael Schumacher's world titles and broke the record for the best Grand Prix victories. But he's not done yet, assuming he signs his contract, some records could be shattered in 2021. And not just because of him.
Eighth world title Hamilton
Obviously, his main goal is to win the eighth world title. This puts him at a lonely height and can then definitely be called the most successful Formula 1 driver statistically.
Verstappen most successful driver without a world title
Verstappen also makes a record in 2021. He will not become the youngest driver to win the World Championship, but if he won seven races next season without becoming world champion, he will be the most successful driver without a world title. The current record is held by Stirling Moss with 16 GP wins.
Most wins in a season
F1 seasons are getting longer and with that, it is inevitable that this record will be broken. Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel have 13 wins in 2004 and 2013 respectively. They did that in 18 and 19 races. With 23 races this record is therefore achievable.
Number of wins at one Grand Prix
Hamilton currently shares this record with Michael Schumacher. They both had eight victories in the same Grand Prix. If Hamilton wins the Hungarian Grand Prix this year, the counter there will be nine.
Most Pole Positions at one Grand Prix
Pretty much the same story as in Hungary, but this applies to the Australian GP. Hamilton still shares this record with Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. All three are on eight poles in one and the same Grand Prix. Should Hamilton be on pole again in Australia, the counter will be nine.
Most podium places without a world title
This record is currently held by Rubens Barrichello. If Valtteri Bottas is on the podium 14 times in 2021 without becoming world champion, he will take over this record. With so many races and a teammate who is constantly improving, this is a realistic possibility.
Most laps in the lead
At the moment this is one of the few records that Lewis Hamilton has not yet taken from Michael Schumacher. The German was in the lead for 5,111 laps. Hamilton is now at 5,099.
This article was written and originally published by Pelle on the Dutch edition of GPblog.com.