Formula 1 Drivers With the Most Consecutive Points Finish As Verstappen Closes In on Hamilton

Formula 1 Drivers With the Most Consecutive Points Finish As Verstappen Closes In on Hamilton

Ero Samson
updated at March 20, 2024 at 4:48 PM
  • The Australian GP offers Max Verstappen a chance to make Formula 1 history
  • Verstappen is close to matching Lewis Hamilton's record for the longest points-scoring streak
  • Sports Brief examines the drivers with the most consecutive points finishes in F1 history

In Formula 1, drivers earn points based on their finishing positions in each Grand Prix, with the top ten finishers receiving points.

These points are crucial in determining the drivers' champion at the end of the season.

While modern Formula 1 cars have become more reliable over time, consistently scoring points remains a daunting task for many drivers. This challenge arises not only from their driving skills but also from the need to avoid collisions with other drivers on the grid.

Max Verstappen, Esteban Ocon, Formula 1, F1, Crashes, Red Bull, FOrce India, Brazil Grand Prix
Esteban Ocon crashed into Max Verstappen at the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix. Image: Mark Thompson.
Source: Getty Images

A striking example of this occurred at the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix, where race leader, Max Verstappen, was involved in a collision with Esteban Ocon, who was attempting to un-lap himself.

This incident cost Verstappen valuable points and highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport.

The 2023 Australian Grand Prix further underscored the potential for chaos in Formula 1, as eight out of the 20 drivers failed to finish the race due to a series of crashes and accidents.

Considering these challenges, Sports Brief presents a list of the most consistent points-scoring drivers in Formula 1 history.

Formula 1's most consecutive points-scoring drivers

Lewis Hamilton - 48 races (Silverstone 2018 to Bahrain 2020)

The 39-year-old went on a whooping 48 races, scoring points and recording 30 victories in that span. To highlight the significance of Lewis Hamilton's consistency and dominance, it's worth noting that Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 champion, has a career total of 32 wins. Unfortunately, Hamilton's remarkable streak was halted by the COVID-19 virus, which he contracted ahead of the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen - 44 and counting (Emilia Romagna 2022 – ongoing)

Max Verstappen is currently in the midst of one of the most dominant runs in Formula 1 history. The Dutch driver has scored points in his last 44 races and looks set to extend this streak at the Albert Park circuit in Australia. Since his victory at the 2022 Imola Grand Prix, Verstappen has claimed an impressive 35 wins in 44 races.

Lewis Hamilton - 33 races (Japan 2016 – France 2018)

Following the infamous crash with then-teammate, Nico Rosberg, at the 2016 Malaysia Grand Prix, Hamilton went on a run of 33 races, consistently finishing in the point places. However, the British driver's impressive run came to an end at the Austrian Grand Prix due to a fuel pressure issue, as reported by BBC Sport.

Kimi Raikkonen - 27 races (Bahrain 2012 - Hungary 2013)

The Finnish driver’s return to F1 in 2012 was as of one who never left. Following the end of his two-year break, the ice-cold Fin, in his Lotus car, went on an impeccable run of 27 consecutive races, finishing in the points positions.

However, Raikkonen's remarkable streak came to an end at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa due to a brake pad issue.

Michael Schumacher -24 races (Hungary 2001 – Malaysia 2003)

Due to the shorter Formula 1 calendar in the early 2000s, Michael Schumacher's longest points-scoring streak spanned three separate F1 seasons, all of which he won the championship.

During this exceptional 24-race span, Schumacher achieved 14 victories and six second-place finishes, with the standout performance coming in the 2002 season, where he finished on the podium in every race.

However, the German's streak came to an end at the Interlagos circuit following an incident in wet weather conditions.

Australian Grand Prix preview and prediction

In a recent report, Sports Brief provided a comprehensive preview and predictions for the upcoming Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

Set to take place at Albert Park, this race represents a crucial stage in the 2024 season's Asian leg. Several teams, including Mercedes, are particularly focused on enhancing their performance after the challenges faced in the previous two races.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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