Who has the longest win streak in F1 history?

Winning a streak of multiple races can be a grueling task, demanding extreme concentration and consistency.

Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen (Credits: The Mirror, The Independent and Essentially Sports)

Formula One has witnessed prominent phases of dominance by various drivers and their teams throughout its rich history ever since its genesis in 1950. Whether it was the legendary Ferrari of the 2000s, the overwhelming Red Bull team in the early 2010s, the dominant Mercedes to follow, or even the current unstoppable Red Bull, cementing a streak of five or more consecutive race victories by a single driver has remained a rare occurrence.

Securing consecutive victories in F1, especially in a winning streak of that measure, necessitates a combination of reliability, consistency, and unwavering determination. Such achievements serve as significant indicators of a driver’s potential to claim the World Championship title, as demonstrated by the fact that each of these drivers went on to win the drivers’ crown in the same season during their period of podium dominance.

The intriguing narratives behind the remarkable win streaks of these drivers will be examined, considering that dominance has become a recurring motif in Formula 1, with one driver in particular frequently finding themselves take the top step of the podium.

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Here is the list of drivers with the biggest win streak in F1

4. Jack Brabham (1960, 5 wins)

Sir Jack Brabham, a notable figure in Formula One, was crowned the World Champion in three different years, namely 1959, 1960, and 1966. In addition to his successful racing career, he made a significant impact by establishing the Brabham racing team as a constructor, which bore his name. Brabham’s accomplishments as a driver and team founder have left an enduring legacy in motorsport.

The Australian showcased his prowess by defending his title in the 1960 season, driving for Cooper-Climax. He did so after securing the championship by famously pushing his car over the finish line in 1959. In astounding fashion, he achieved a five-race winning streak, culminating in his triumph at the Portuguese Grand Prix , which also secured him the championship. However, his streak could have been even more extended if he had not chosen to boycott the penultimate race at Monza. Brabham’s achievements highlight his unwavering determination and thirst for triumph during that remarkable season.

4. Nigel Mansell (1992, 5 wins)

Legend Nigel Mansell had an iconic career in Formula One that spanned 15 seasons. He holds the distinction of being the second most successful British Formula One driver in terms of race victories, having secured 31 wins throughout his career. His achievements on the track have solidified his place among the most prominent figures in motorsport history.

Nigel Mansell (Credits: Williams Racing)

The Briton, driving for Williams, had an exceptional start to the 1992 season, winning the first five races. Throughout the season, he continued his impressive performance and ultimately secured a total of nine race victories, culminating in him winning the driver’s championship. Mansell’s successful campaign began with a victory at the season opener, the South African Grand Prix, and his winning streak extended until the San Marino Grand Prix. It ended at the Monaco GP after he was beaten by fellow legend Ayrton Senna.

4. Lewis Hamilton (2020, 5 wins)

Sir Lewis Hamilton has left an indelible mark on motorsport, showcasing his extraordinary talent with an astonishing seven world championships, 103 race victories, and 103 pole positions. Breaking records has become a regular occurrence for the Briton, as he has nearly rewritten the entire history of F1. He has been a serial winner throughout his career and has displayed his mastery behind the wheel during the turbo hybrid era with Mercedes. Hamilton’s reign as the preeminent driver lasted for an impressive seven consecutive years, from 2014 to 2020.

In the 2020 F1 season, Lewis Hamilton embarked on a remarkable five-race win streak, starting at the Eifel Grand Prix held at the Nürburgring in Germany. He showcased his experience and adaptability in challenging conditions, securing victories at the Portuguese Grand Prix, Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Turkish Grand Prix, and Bahrain Grand Prix. His ability to excel in wet and dry conditions and his strategic decision-making propelled him to the top step of the podium in each race, helping him secure his 7th world title.

3. Nico Rosberg (2015/16, 7 wins)

Former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg is famously the only driver to beat his teammate Lewis Hamilton to a world championship. The Briton was in his prime, seemingly untouchable, yet the German managed to keep him on his toes, finally besting him in 2016. However, his momentum was carried forward from the 2015 season, where he lost out to Hamilton.

Nico Rosberg (Credits: the Economic Times) — Nico Rosberg (Credits: The Economic Times)

Nico Rosberg had an impressive start to the 2016 season, winning four opening races in Melbourne, Bahrain, Shanghai, and Sochi. These victories showcased his outstanding proficiency and ability to perform at a high level consistently. However, Rosberg’s winning streak came to an abrupt end in a dramatic fashion at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, as he and his teammate collided. He went on to clinch the driver’s title and retired shortly after.

3. Michael Schumacher (2004, 7 wins)

Undeniably, Michael Schumacher’s dominance between 2000 and 2004 is legendary. No driver has ever won five consecutive driver’s titles. This marked a golden period for himself and Ferrari, so it is no surprise that his longest win streaks accompany his recurrent glory. In the memorable 2004 F1 season, the unrelenting German achieved a remarkable feat by winning seven consecutive races, further improving his record.

This exceptional winning streak commenced at the European Grand Prix held at the Nurburgring and extended until the Hungarian Grand Prix. Displaying sheer superiority, Schumacher’s winning streak saw him triumph in nearly all the races of the first half of the season, except for the Monaco Grand Prix, where he retired—the 2004 season also marked Schumacher’s fifth and final world championship title. His extraordinary feat in 2004 is a testament to his grit and undying thirst for victory.

3. Alberto Ascari (1952/53, 7 wins)

Italian legend Alberto Ascari is one of the earliest F1 world champions and is an integral part of the sport’s heritage. He is the first driver ever to win consecutive drivers’ world championships. His impressive win streak of 7 races spanning across the 1952 and 1953 seasons indicates why he won both titles. In the 1952 season, a total of eight races were considered for the championship. Ascari showcased his exceptional skill and dominance by winning six of these races, starting with the Belgian GP.

Notably, he triumphed in every race he participated in during that season. Ascari’s winning streak firmly established him as one of the era’s most talented and successful drivers. His consecutive victories demonstrated his mastery of the sport and his ability to outperform his competitors consistently. Several achievements during this period also solidified his legacy as one of the greats in Formula One history.

2. Sebastian Vettel (2019, 9 wins)

Timeless icon Sebastian Vettel is a household name. He is iconic for being the one who spearheaded Red Bull’s first dominant era between 2010 and 2013. The four-time world champion holds an impressive record with nine consecutive race victories during the 2013 season. This exemplary winning streak commenced at the Belgium Grand Prix and extended all the way to the season climax at Interlagos.

Throughout the 2013 season, Vettel showcased his exceptional prowess and consistency, dominating the competition with Red Bull Racing. His streak of victories included triumphs at prestigious races such as the Italian Grand Prix, Singapore Grand Prix, and Indian Grand Prix, among others. Vettel’s phenomenal performances during this phase firmly established him as the dominant force in F1, earning him his fourth consecutive world championship title. He also notably secured 13 victories that year, matching the record of his compatriot and idol, Michael Schumacher.

1. Max Verstappen (2023-, 10 wins)

Max Verstappen (Credits: Republic World)

Red Bull prodigy Max Verstappen is the current dominant force in F1. Relentless, ruthless, and proficient in his driving, he is en route to breaking numerous standing records. He is already a two-time world champion and aged just 25; there is much more to come from the Dutchman. He seemingly already has one hand on the 2023 title, following up on his supremacy in the prior season. Despite the obstacles in his path, he cuts his way through the field, with victory being his only goal, regardless of the circumstances.

The 2022 F1 season started rough for the Dutch sensation from Red Bull. However, he made a strong comeback and blew his rivals away. He won a record-breaking 15 races that season, including five consecutive victories starting at the French GP. He dominated the following Hungarian, Belgian, Dutch, and Italian GPs, with brilliant wins, contributing to his second world title on the trot. His streak was brutally ended after a torrid race around the demanding streets of Singapore, where he only finished P7.

Honorable mentions

Jim Clark, one of the greatest talents ever to take the wheel, had a remarkable year widely regarded as his greatest. During this season, Clark achieved an exceptional feat by winning five consecutive races on his way to the championship title. The winning streak began at the Belgium Grand Prix and continued until the German Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher 1 — Michael Schumacher

Apart from his extraordinary win streak of seven races in 2004, Michael Schumacher secured five consecutive race wins, commencing at the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix. He secured victories in the subsequent races held in Malaysia, Bahrain, Italy, and Spain, showcasing his prowess behind the wheel of a formidable Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton is no stranger to a five-race win streak, as he has achieved this remarkable feat twice in his career. Barring his 2020 season, which earned him his last world title, the 2014 season also witnessed the same proceedings. The year marked the onset of his dominance; starting from the Italian Grand Prix and culminating at the United States Grand Prix, Hamilton was the recurrent victor. He secured his second world title that year as a result.

Who has the longest win streak of races in Formula One?

Sebastian Vettel holds the record of most consecutive race wins in F1, achieved during the 2013 season. It is yet to be beaten till date, despite the dominance of other drivers that followed his own.

Who is the driver who has come closest to breaking this record?

Nico Rosberg in 2016 with Mercedes, Alberto Ascari in 1952 and 1953 with Scuderia Ferrari, and Michael Schumacher with Ferrari in 2004 have been the only ones to endanger this record, with seven consecutive race wins.