Max Verstappen is closing the gap on Lewis Hamilton in the ongoing Formula 1 rivalry, threatening the seven-time champion’s standing among the sport’s greatest. At just 27 years old, Verstappen’s rapid rise is highlighted by recent achievements that directly challenge Hamilton’s long-held records.
Historically, Hamilton has been the most accomplished F1 driver, holding the highest totals for race wins, pole positions, and podium finishes. He shares the record for most world championships, tied with Michael Schumacher. Despite this dominance, Verstappen is matching some of Hamilton’s key statistics, signaling a potential shift in F1’s hierarchy.
Most notably, Verstappen has equaled Hamilton’s tally of six career grand slams following his outstanding performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he secured pole position, led every lap, set the fastest lap, and won the race. This feat elevates Verstappen to joint-second in all-time grand slams alongside Hamilton.
A grand slam in Formula 1 represents the pinnacle of race control, achieved only when a driver claims pole, leads every circuit lap, sets the fastest lap, and wins. Hamilton last recorded a grand slam at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, having done so only five times before. Since then, the 40-year-old has yet to reach this milestone again and has not stood on a podium this season after moving to Ferrari earlier this year.
By contrast, Verstappen’s six grand slams have been earned in just the past five seasons, beginning with the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix. While grand slams make up only a small percentage of their total wins—5.7% for Hamilton and 9% for Verstappen—these figures underscore how difficult it is to achieve this level of dominance, even for elite drivers.
Examining the Record Holder for F1 Grand Slams
Despite Hamilton and Verstappen’s impressive numbers, Jim Clark, the former British driver and two-time world champion, remains the leader in grand slams with eight. Clark won 32% of his 25 career victories as grand slams, a much higher ratio than either current driver. His success largely came during Lotus’ peak years, making his record particularly striking when compared to modern competitors.
Verstappen, also 27, seems poised to increase his total grand slams as his career progresses. Meanwhile, Hamilton, at 40, is pursuing his first win with Ferrari this year, aiming for a potential resurgence in the 2026 season, when new regulations might improve competitiveness for him and the team.
Hamilton’s quest to regain pace coincides with significant changes anticipated in F1 regulations next year, which could reshape the championship landscape and present fresh opportunities for both drivers and teams.
The ongoing battle between Verstappen and Hamilton continues to captivate the F1 world, highlighting a fascinating generational clash that will influence the sport’s all-time rankings and legacy.
“Lewis Hamilton’s position on an all-time F1 list is under serious threat from Max Verstappen.” ?Unknown
“Clark leads the all-time list of F1 grand slams with eight, but he only achieved 25 career race victories in comparison to Hamilton’s 105 and Verstappen’s 67.” ?Unknown
