Verstappen set to surpass Hamilton with this extraordinary statistic

13:00, 24 Apr 2024
46 Comments

There is a good chance that Max Verstappen will pass Lewis Hamilton at the next Miami Grand Prix with this remarkable statistic. The two Formula 1 drivers' win percentages are currently almost equal, but that won't last long if Verstappen wins in Miami.

Verstappen edging ahead of Hamilton

When Verstappen debuted in the 2015 F1 season, Hamilton had won 22.3 per cent of all races he had started. He reached a personal best of 36.3 per cent. Since then, the Mercedes driver's win percentage has plummeted. He did not manage to win a race since the end of 2021, while Verstappen broke the record for most wins two consecutive years.

Hamilton's victory rate has fallen to 30.56 per cent, while Verstappen's stands at 30.53 per cent. A win at the Miami GP will put him ahead. Even if the Dutchman does not win there, the chances of him overtaking Hamilton at some point in the season remain significantly high.

Red Bull Racing continues to dominate, while Mercedes have yet to achieve a podium finish in 2024. Hamilton finished ninth on Sunday for the third time in four races. During the China GP, in which he started 18th, he still complained about the W15. "This car is so slow," the Briton announced over the team radio. Next year, he hopes to turn the tide with a switch to Ferrari.

46 Comments
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ibohunt 24 April 2024 at 16:06+ 9614

I can see the future... Its because of the car; even Checko can win in it. Its because Max; Checko is 0.3-0.5s lap slower

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Joost F1 24 April 2024 at 16:28+ 24741

In reality...its because of both! A very good car + Max, the best driver on the grid!

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ibohunt 24 April 2024 at 16:38+ 9614

Knowing some that post here thats the direction I saw the comments would head. No disagreement from me that its not only the car and Max but the entire team; Owners, management, engineers, strategists, folks in the factory, folks making the 400k overspend sandwiches (sorry, had to get that in there). Its the entire organization.

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44-8xLegend 25 April 2024 at 01:30+ 32851

The point is that you don't need to be the best on the grid to win with the Red Bull car since 2022. Another article trying to pin all the success on Max and not acknowledging that its mainly Newey and his knowledge of ground effects which allows him to produce a car that others cannot beat. How many have won races since 2022 that Max was still running in? Perez won 2. LeClerc 2 I think, Russell 1, Piastri 1 sprint race. Sainz' wins have come while Max was either out or struggling. No-one else has won or looked like they were able to. So it's not on Hamilton that he hasn't won, but more on Mercedes car which was an s/box, and the Red Bull car which has massive superioirity over it's rivals. It's more than a 'very good' car. It's the best car with a very good driver.

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Joost F1 25 April 2024 at 12:39+ 24741

I agree that you don't need to be the best driver on the grid to win races in this RB car. I think multiple drivers should be able to, IF they can drive it properly. Its albeen well documented that the RB is still a pretty tricky car to drive to the top of its abilities. Ask Gasly, Albon, Perez. Perez and Albon both being in the top half of drivers on the grid. But yes, multiple drivers should be able to. My point is...Max consistency and the sheer amount of victories he managed to get. I'm pretty sure that there are no drivers out the currently that would have managed similar success rates. Feel free to disagree though!

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Waggas 25 April 2024 at 14:57+ 434

Al I hear over and over is Blah blah blah Masi 2021 blah blah blah poor Lewis Blah blah blah dude get a life. All I can say is atleast Max won races and was ons the podium with a slower car over the years. If your F1 God LH is sooooo good and why can't he even get a podium or easier beat his teammate. Stop posting looonnnggg articles and answer the proper questions ?

JEM 25 April 2024 at 16:58+ 12716

Russell managed to win. And although I agree the car is no good, he had an opportunity last year and 2022. So it isn't only down to the car. Currently it is the best driver in the best car with the best crew to support him.

maverick75 24 April 2024 at 13:35+ 18743

If Max sees out his contract through 2028, most standing F1 records will be broken.

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Vegan Warrior 24 April 2024 at 13:43+ 4952

If Max sees out his contract through 2028, in a " dominant car", most standing F1 records will be broken. Thats more correct maverick75

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ManualShift 24 April 2024 at 13:51+ 5806

If Max has a decent/competitive car through 2028, all records in F1 will be broken, Vegan. You are welcome.

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Vegan Warrior 24 April 2024 at 14:06+ 4952

I respectfully disagree. The current rate of wins will certainly allow Max to break all performance-based F1 records. If Max were in a decent/competitive car, his win rate would decline, and he would need maybe a few more seasons to reach that achievement.

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Vegan Warrior 25 April 2024 at 17:20+ 4952

Yes ?

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Vegan Warrior 24 April 2024 at 17:25+ 4952

Thanks for doing the math JD, (1 out of 3 races). That's 8 wins a season, its not out the question, but tough. 2026 may be the deciding factor, will shall see.

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Mavric 24 April 2024 at 15:14+ 19032

Records are there to be broken and yes lewis did brake records .and know you got max thats breking lewis records .and some fans say f1 boring this is history in the making

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Vegan Warrior 24 April 2024 at 15:22+ 4952

Why would it? Max rightfully deserves all the accolades he receives. He is a talented racer and will certainly be the most dominant driver in F1 history. The point that I was making is the timescale. With a dominant car like he has now, 2028 is a likely year, and with a decent/competitive car, it would take him a few more seasons. And I say this with all praise and appreciation of Max, as a Lewis Hamilton fan."

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Game on-x4 24 April 2024 at 14:55+ 46571

It will be a sad day for LH44 fans with Max being the most dominant driver ever seen in F1 history in decent/competitive car.

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Joost F1 24 April 2024 at 16:32+ 24741

I think if Max has a decent/competitive car, its certainly not out of the question that he wins 33% (1 out of 3 races). Combine that with this year + maybe next year where he likely has the dominant car, I dont think its out of the question!

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Waggas 25 April 2024 at 15:01+ 434

And Lewis?????

Fangioforever 24 April 2024 at 14:10+ 5369

You are right. Considering he had to deal with a Renault pu for the first half of his career it makes his winning percentage even more impressive. It makes you question why with his unprecedented powertrain advantage from 2014 to 2020 Lewis was unable to get even close to the records Max broke last year. With Max we are seeing a level of greatness that Lewis could never match, just ask Toto.

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Vegan Warrior 24 April 2024 at 17:07+ 4952

It's true that Max's achievements are remarkable, especially considering the challenges he faced early in his career with the Renault power unit. His ability to compete and win with less competitive machinery speaks volumes about his talent and determination. As for Lewis, while he had an advantage with the Mercedes powertrain from 2014 to 2020, there were many factors at play, including team dynamics, car performance in relation to other teams, race strategies, and reliability issues. For most fans, Max's success doesn't diminish Lewis's accomplishments; rather, it highlights the depth of talent we have witnessed in this generation. I, for one, experienced watching Senna, Prost, and the rest of the talented drivers that followed as a young boy. It's great to see the different paths each driver takes to achieve greatness in the sport.

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44-8xLegend 25 April 2024 at 01:35+ 32851

Max's records will be, as Prost rightly said, more worthless because he's not had competition. Just sailed off into the lead in an unbeatable car and let the car to most of the work for him. He's hardly broken a sweat for over 2 seasons. His achievements have come way more from the car than from him. A weak team-mate and a dominant car makes him look better than the reality. Put them all in the same cars and lets see what his win rate would be. Pretty average I'd say.

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Ludizapoli 24 April 2024 at 15:32+ 7254

Which of the former champions did not have a dominant car?

Garns 24 April 2024 at 15:56+ 180

Maybe Keke Rosberg 1982?

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44-8xLegend 25 April 2024 at 01:38+ 32851

Well you asked.

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Ludizapoli 25 April 2024 at 24:12+ 7254

That was an anomaly that is no longer possible.

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Vegan Warrior 24 April 2024 at 17:21+ 4952

@Ludizapoli, you made me consult some of my F1 books I haven't opened in a while. 2009, Jenson Button's Brawn team had a strong start, but they were quickly overshadowed by Red Bull Racing's dominance and McLaren's resurgence. 2007, Kimi Raikkonen clinched the WDC for Ferrari, despite their car being considered inferior to McLaren's. Internal conflicts at McLaren cost them dearly. 1999, Mika Hakkinen secured the WDC while Ferrari claimed the WCC. Ferrari's superiority over McLaren was evident, with Michael Schumacher poised to win the WDC if not for unfortunate incidents. 1991, Ayrton Senna's McLaren, while slightly behind Williams in performance, had better reliability, securing him the championship. 1986, Williams outperformed McLaren, with either Nigel Mansell or Nelson Piquet poised to win the WDC. Alain Prost ultimately clinched it for McLaren. 1982 saw Keke Rosberg winning the championship with just one race victory. Ferrari was the dominant force.

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Vegan Warrior 25 April 2024 at 10:52+ 4952

I answered your question that you asked and we know there's world champions that have won their championships in non dominant cars. I am still unclear as your point, but its probably a me issue ?, no worries Ludizapoli ?

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Ludizapoli 25 April 2024 at 09:45+ 7254

You have answered enough, that there are not many such examples. That thesis is constantly withdrawn, and you mentioned it: a dominant car. That was exactly the point of my question. All records were set in a dominant car and will be broken as well.

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Vegan Warrior 25 April 2024 at 05:39+ 4952

I was just answering your post: Which of the former champions did not have a dominant car? And those examples apply to the scenario you mentioned. Drivers that won the championship not have the dominant car in that season. I am not sure what your point was with the post ,did I not answer sufficiently?

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Ludizapoli 25 April 2024 at 24:03+ 7254

In 2009, Jenson Button's Brawn team - I would have shut him out, a double diffuser in the first six races gave them the championship. 2007 Kimi Raikkonen - this is a good example, but if it wasn't for the McL conflict it wouldn't have happened. 1999 Mika Hakkinen - also a good example, but probably wouldn't have happened if not for Schumacher's accident. Examples from the distant past cannot really be compared with today's formula. The point of it all is that most of the records achieved were set with dominant cars, and that will be the case. It is likely that one team will always guess the best rules, and will have that advantage until new ones start. Max's advantage is that he is still young, and if he has the motivation, with his reputation, he could once again find himself in a team that will be at the top.

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44-8xLegend 25 April 2024 at 01:37+ 32851

It is the degree of dominance. And some former champions in dominant cars had strong team-mates. Red Bull will not do that with Max for fear of upsetting his image (and him). Lewis was slated on here for years because he had the dominant car and his ability was trashed by those people. So.. same argument applies now. Or are people going to admit they were wrong to say what they said about Lewis? I don't think they will.

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Joost F1 24 April 2024 at 16:30+ 24741

If dominant in this case means: "the best car or atleast a car where one can compete for race wins"...then yes, I agree!

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J41L 24 April 2024 at 23:30+ 23595

You forgot (voluntarily?) to mention that every champion needs a great car to break records. HAM had a dominant car for longer than any other in history of F1. Therefore he has also the most records. It's the turn for other drivers now to get the same chance. It's simple as that.

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Vegan Warrior 25 April 2024 at 05:35+ 4952

@J41L, as Joost Dikema said "If dominant in this case means: "the best car or atleast a car where one can compete for race wins"...then yes, I agree!" & as Ludizapoli posted "Which of the former champions did not have a dominant car?" & as ManualShift posted "If Max has a decent/competitive car through 2028, all records in F1 will be broken," Max, has youth in his side and he has the most dominant car in F1 history, so he will reach those records in a shorter space if time, do the math J41L. Max has to win 33% a season and in 2028 he will be the most successful driver in F1 history. J41L, not sure if you will respond, but most users are in concensus about Max teaching the achievements of breaking all records in F1 ,in a shorter time frame than Lewis, how is that possible?

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Vegan Warrior 25 April 2024 at 17:08+ 4952

Nope ?

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J41L 25 April 2024 at 13:06+ 23595

Life and love makes me happy. I hope it's the same for you ?

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Vegan Warrior 25 April 2024 at 13:04+ 4952

Whatever makes you happy J41L ?

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J41L 25 April 2024 at 13:00+ 23595

Nope, I didn't agree...

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Vegan Warrior 25 April 2024 at 12:49+ 4952

@J41L, I am glad you finally agree ?, Dominant car" this time, "Brilliant" the last time. "great car". Maybe you need to be reminded of the definition of a great car : A dominant Formula 1 car refers to a vehicle that consistently outperforms its competitors across various races and conditions throughout a season. In the case of Red Bull Racing this season, their car can be considered dominant due to several factors: 1. **Race Wins:** The car consistently achieves victories in races, indicating superior performance compared to other cars on the grid. 2. **Podium Finishes:** It frequently finishes on the podium, demonstrating its competitiveness and ability to contend for top positions. 3. **Qualifying Performance:** The car secures pole positions or starts from the front row of the grid regularly, showcasing its speed over a single lap. 4. **Championship Contention:** It puts the team and drivers in contention for the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, reflecting its overall strength and competitiveness throughout the season. 5. **Consistency:** The car demonstrates reliability and consistency in performance, minimizing retirements or failures during races. 6. **Development Pace:** The team consistently updates and improves the car over the course of the season, staying ahead of rivals in terms of performance development. Overall, a dominant F1 car like Red Bull's this season is characterized by its ability to consistently outperform competitors across various aspects of racing, leading to success in races and championships. So I am glad we agree ?

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J41L 25 April 2024 at 11:02+ 23595

It is going to end up with the usual nit-picking about definitions. "Dominant car" this time, "Brilliant" the last time. Whatever makes you happy Vegan. PS: Notice I also mentioned "great car".

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Waggas 25 April 2024 at 15:00+ 434

Same old same old Vegan the problem is LH had the most dominant car for +- 7 years and didn't take advantage of it deal with that.

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Vegan Warrior 25 April 2024 at 17:20+ 4952

Well actually: Hamilton's most dominant season in 2020 had him only win 64% of races. Before this current domination, one driver winning 64% of races was viewed as the worst it could possibly get in the modern era. Let's run through the years: 2014 and 2015: Lewis and Nico trading wins, (good battles at the very least) and Ricciardio getting 3 wins his first season at Red Bull and Vettel gets 3 wins his first year at Ferrari. Hamilton wins roughly 55% of races. 2016: Great title fight between Nico and Lewis that went down to Abu Dhabi. Max gets his first race win his first race in Red Bull, Daniel gets a win as well. Hamilton wins less than 50% of races and loses championship to Nico. 2017 and 2018: Title fight between Hamilton and Vettel. 5 different race winners each year. Hamilton wins less than 50% of races. 2019: Lewis and Valterri each get wins. Max gets 3 wins, Charles gets his first 2 wins. and Seb wins in Singapore. 5 different race winners. Again Lewis wins less than 50% of races. 2020: Lewis' most dominant season where he wins 64% of races. This is covid year so take it with a grain of salt. Max gets 2 wins, Pierre gets first win in Monza, Perez gets first win in Bahrain. Turkey was a fantastic race that did result in Lewis winning but was amazing up til the end. I think it is pretty safe to say that your post is utter nonsense ?

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44-8xLegend 25 April 2024 at 01:31+ 32851

Will be? You seem sure. Red Bull, if Horner isn't lying again, might in trouble for 2026.

LukeF1 24 April 2024 at 13:12+ 2356

*incoming wikipedia jokes*

Retribution 24 April 2024 at 13:30+ 1347

Yep. Wikipedia isn't looked at when it is anti-Hamilton but they sure do like it otherwise.

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ibohunt 24 April 2024 at 16:08+ 9614

Beat me to it.