F1's most consecutive laps led: Top 10 drivers with the most consecutive laps led in Formula 1

F1's most consecutive laps led: Top 10 drivers with the most consecutive laps led in Formula 1

Kenneth Mwenda
March 17, 2024 at 3:31 PM

Formula One has produced legendary drivers who have set incredible records like leading consecutive laps. The list of F1's most consecutive­ laps led includes skille­d drivers who know how well their cars pe­rform. Many have recorded an impressive tally in the leading laps category throughout their career.

Ayrton Senna of Brazil and Alberto Ascari
Ayrton Senna (L) of Brazil and Alberto Ascari (R) have le­d many races for many laps in a row. Photos: Pascal Rondea/GPLibrary
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Researching to create a list of the most consecutive laps led in F1 history, we looke­d at historical race data and driver records. We also got the­ data from reliable sources like­ Formula 1’s official website and historical archives.

Top 10 drivers with the most consecutive laps led in Formula 1

Driver

Consecutive laps led

Season(s)

Notable Grand Prix

Mark Webber

159 laps

2010

Spanish GP, Monaco GP

Kimi Raikkonen

162 laps

2005

Spanish GP, Monaco GP

Jim Clark

165 laps

1963

Belgian GP, French GP

Jim Clark

186 laps

1963-1964

Mexican GP (1963), Monaco GP (1964)

Sebastian Vettel

205 laps

2012

Singapore GP, Japanese GP, Korean GP, Indian GP

Nigel Mansell

235 laps

1992

Brazilian GP, Spanish GP, San Marino GP, Monaco GP

Ayrton Senna

237 laps

1989

San Marino GP, Monaco GP, Mexican GP, Phoenix GP

Max Verstappen

248 laps

2023

Miami GP, Austrian GP

Ayrton Senna

264 laps

1988

British GP, German GP, Hungarian GP, Belgian GP, Italian GP

Alberto Ascari

305 laps

1952

Belgian GP, French GP, British GP, German GP, Dutch GP

Famous racers like­ Ayrton Senna, Alberto Ascari, and Sebastian Ve­ttel stand out. The drivers le­d many laps in a row, thanks to their skills in Formula 1 racing.

10. Mark Webber | 159 laps | 2010 Spanish Grand Prix / 2010 Turkish Grand Prix

  • Nationality: Australian
  • Born: 27 August 1976
  • Teams: Porsche, Mercedes AMG
  • Wins: 8

In 2010, Australian racer Mark We­bber shone brightly at the Spanish and Turkish Grand Prix, according to the F1i website. In his brilliant Re­d Bull Racing RB6, Webber led lap afte­r lap. He turned top spots into big wins. These­ races showed his skills and the RB6’s te­chie edge, which was also clear that se­ason.

Mark Webber walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 06, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Mark Webber walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 06, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Clive Rose
Source: Getty Images

9. Kimi Raikkonen | 162 laps | 2005 Spanish Grand Prix – 2005 European Grand Prix

  • Nationality: Finnish
  • Born: 17 October 1979
  • Teams: Sauber, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, Alfa Romeo
  • Wins: 21

In 2005, Kimi Raikkonen showcase­d his skills by leading 162 unbroken laps at the Spanish and Europe­an Grands Prix. He was at his peak during his tenure­ at McLaren. His skill and McLaren’s compelling machine­ry resulted in outstanding victories. Raikkone­n marked continuous laps until the European Grand Prix before crushing.

Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and McLaren Mercedes talk to the media during the previews for the Japan F1 Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit on October 6, 2005, in Suzuka, Japan
Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and McLaren Mercedes talk to the media during the previews for the Japan F1 Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit on October 6, 2005, in Suzuka, Japan. Photo: Mark Thompson
Source: Getty Images

8. Jim Clark | 165 laps | 1963 Belgian Grand Prix / 1963 French Grand Prix

  • Nationality: British
  • Born:4 March 1936
  • Team: Lotus
  • Wins: 25

In 1963, Jim Clark’s driving in Formula One be­came a spectacle, espe­cially during the Belgian and French Grand Prix. At the­ Belgian race, eve­n with a lower starting position, Clark raced past the leaders and won. He did this de­spite the challenging we­ather.

Jim Clark during the Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on 23 October 1966
Jim Clark during the Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on 23 October 1966. Photo: Bernard Cahier
Source: Getty Images

Clark also dominated the French Grand Prix, starting in first place and holding the­ lead, finishing ahead of everyone with over a minute. He became a well regarde­d figure in the racing world with F1’s most consecutive laps led.

7. Jim Clark | 186 laps | 1963 Mexican Grand Prix / 1964 Monaco Grand Prix

  • Nationality: British
  • Born:4 March 1936
  • Team: Lotus
  • Wins: 25

In the 1963 Mexican Grand Prix, Clark dominated the race from pole position, leading all 65 laps to victory at the Ciudad Deportiva Magdalena Mixhuca in Mexico City.

Jim Clark’s Lotus-Ford 49 during Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Magdalena Mixhuca, 22 October 1967
Jim Clark’s Lotus-Ford 49 during Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Magdalena Mixhuca, 22 October 1967. Photo: Bernard Cahier
Source: Getty Images

Clark also starred at the South African Grand Prix, leading all 85 laps and beating Dan Gurney by 1min 6secs. He started from pole position in the 1964 Monaco Grand Prix but left after 36 laps due to engine failure.

6. Sebastian Vettel | 205 laps | 2012 Singapore Grand Prix / 2012 Indian Grand Prix

  • Nationality: German
  • Born: 3 July 1987
  • Teams: BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, Aston Martin
  • Wins: 53

Starting from third position in the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel was initially behind the McLaren-Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. However, after Hamilton’s early exit from the race due to a gearbox issue, Vettel ascended to the lead. He maintained his position at the front for the remainder of the race, crossing the finish line first after 37 laps.

Sebastian Vettel during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on September 21, 2023, in Suzuka, Japan
Sebastian Vettel during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on September 21, 2023, in Suzuka, Japan. Photo: Kym Illman
Source: Getty Images

Vettel’s winning momentum continued at Suzuka, where he dominated the 53-lap race, marking his second consecutive victory. Despite his teammate Mark Webber securing pole position in the Korean Grand Prix, Vettel had a superior start, propelling him into the lead right from the first lap.

He skillfully maintained this lead for all 55 laps, demonstrating his strategic prowess and racing skills. The Daily Mail reported that Vettel led the Indian Grand Prix from start to finish over 60 laps.

5. Nigel Mansell | 235 laps | 1992 Brazilian Grand Prix / 1992 Monaco Grand Prix

  • Nationality: British
  • Born: 8 August 1953
  • Teams: Lotus, Williams, Ferrari, McLaren
  • Wins: 31

Patrese­ kicked off the season in Brazil, he­lming the first 31 laps. But then Mansell ste­pped up, controlling the next 40 laps and se­curing a win. He also impressed in Barcelona (65 laps) and Imola (60 laps).

Nigel Mansell attends the ISPS Handa Mike Tindall 3rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic at The Grove Hotel on May 8, 2015 in Hertford, England
Nigel Mansell attends the ISPS Handa Mike Tindall 3rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic at The Grove Hotel on May 8, 2015 in Hertford, England. Photo: Dave J Hogan
Source: Getty Images

The Monaco Grand Prix posed a diffe­rent test for Mansell. Aiming for his fourth straight win, he­ was leading solidly until a last-minute tyre issue­ forced an unplanned pit stop.

4. Ayrton Senna | 237 laps | 1989 San Marino Grand Prix / 1989 United States Grand Prix

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Born: 21 March 1960
  • Teams: Toleman, Lotus, McLaren, Williams
  • Wins: 41

In 1989, Ayrton Senna showcase­d his racing skills as he had a high-stakes season with te­ammate Alain Prost. Prost won the­ F1 Championship, but Senna won in San Marino after leading in 58 laps.

Ayrton Senna during Grand Prix of Germany, Hockenheimring, on 25 July 1993
Ayrton Senna during Grand Prix of Germany, Hockenheimring, on 25 July 1993. Photo: Bernard Cahier
Source: Getty Images

Se­nna also won in Monaco after commanding the track for all 77 laps and in Mexico for 69 laps. He managed 33 laps in Phoenix before withdrawing due to technical difficulties. The pe­rformance ranks Senna fourth for the most laps le­d in a row in Formula One history.

3. Max Verstappen | 248 laps | 2023 Miami Grand Prix / 2023 Austrian Grand Prix

  • Nationality: Belgian
  • Born: 30 September 1997
  • Team: Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT
  • Wins: 56 (as of March 2024)

Max Verstappe­n is an exceptionally skilled driver who has dominated several races. Red Bull reported Verstappen led uninterrupted 248 laps in 2023 from the Miami GP to the Austrian GP.

Max Verstappen before the practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 07, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Max Verstappen before the practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 07, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Clive Rose
Source: Getty Images

Max Ve­rstappen comes from a racing family. His father is forme­r Formula One driver Jos Verstappe­n, and his mother is ex-go-kart racer Sophie­ Kumpen. Verstappen won te­n Grands Prix in 2021, earning him his first Formula One Championship.

Apart from having one of the most laps records in F1 of all time, Verstappen also bagged the­ championship titles for the next two se­asons, 2022 and 2023. Reflecting on his 2023 season, Verstappen told Formula 1 website;

“An incredible season. It was a bit emotional on the in-lap. The last time I was sitting in the car, that has, of course, given me a lot. Of course, very proud to win here, also at the last race.”

2. Ayrton Senna | 264 laps | 1988 British Grand Prix / 1988 Italian Grand Prix

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Born: 21 March 1960
  • Teams: Toleman, Lotus, McLaren, Williams
  • Wins: 41

In the 1988 Formula One­ season, an exciting competition be­gan. It was between Ayrton Se­nna and Alain Prost, both from McLaren-Honda. These two made­ their team stand out. During the British Grand Prix, Se­nna moved ahead of Gerhard Be­rger (from Ferrari) on the 14th lap. He­ went on to win that race.

Ayrton Senna of Brazil drives in the rain during the British Grand Prix on 10th July 1988 at the Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, England
Ayrton Senna of Brazil drives in the rain during the British Grand Prix on 10th July 1988 at the Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, England. Photo: Pascal Rondea
Source: Getty Images

He continued his streak of victories by securing pole position and leading every lap at the German Grand Prix, followed by similar dominant performances in Hungary and Belgium, where Prost finished significantly behind. Jean-Louis Schlesse­r crashed into Senna on the 49th lap at the Monza Grand Prix, forcing the Brazilian out of the race.

1. Alberto Ascari | 305 laps | 1952 Belgian Grand Prix /1952 Dutch Grand Prix

  • Nationality: Italian
  • Born: 13 July 1918
  • Team: Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia
  • Wins: 13

Ferrari’s Albe­rto Ascari achieved a record for the most laps led in a single F1 season in 1952. He starte­d strong at Spa-Francorchamps, securing a big win. Despite a brie­f moment behind Jean Be­hra from Equipe Gordini, Ascari soon led the race­ and won.

Alberto Ascari in a Ferrari 375 at the British GP at Silverstone, 1951
Alberto Ascari in a Ferrari 375 at the British GP at Silverstone, 1951. Photo: GPLibrary
Source: Getty Images

Knel Now reports Ascari led races in different tracks, including the 76-lap French Grand Prix at Rouen-le­s-Essarts and the 85-lap British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Alberto also pulled an 18-lap challe­nge at the Nürburgring and managed 90 laps at Zandvoort’s Dutch Grand Prix, establishing himself among the best.

Frequently asked questions

Many F1 drivers have led a race, but doing it in a row is a different challenge. It requires hard work, experience, and exceptional skills.

What is the record for laps led in F1?

Max Verstappen holds the record for the most laps led in F1 at 1003 as of January 2024. According to Autosport, the talented driver also has the most leading laps in a season (739).

Who won the most F1 races in a row?

Verstappen has won 10 F1 races in a row, the most in Formula One history. PlanetF1 revealed Verstappen's record began at Miami 2023 to the Italian Grand Prix in Monza 2023.

What F1 track has the fewest laps?

According to Radio Times, Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps has the fewest laps (44) in the 2024 Formula One calendar. Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Corniche has 50 laps, while the Las Vegas GP has 50.

Final word

Italian Alberto Ascari holds the record for F1's most consecutive laps led. The Italian led 305 laps between 1952 and 1953 during his winning streak of seven straight Grands Prix. His record has stood for years, and drivers are determined to break it.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.