Formula 1 Drivers With the Most Fastest Laps in History As Hamilton Eyes Michael Schumacher’s Record

• Lewis Hamilton concluded the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix event, moving on the brink of making motorsport history
• The seven-time world champion moved closer to Michael Schumacher's record for the most fastest laps in Formula 1
• Sports Brief spotlights a list of drivers with the most quickest laps set following the 39-year-old's feat in Canada

Beyond the points awarded to Formula 1 drivers for finishing in the top 10 of a Grand Prix, F1 also grants an additional point to the driver who sets the fastest lap of the race.

The fastest lap is self-explanatory: this is the quickest lap completed by a driver during the race.

The driver who achieves this gets a purple clock icon next to their name, making it easy for viewers to track who holds the fastest lap at any given moment.

In 2019, the sport's governing body added an extra layer of excitement by awarding a bonus point to the driver who sets the fastest lap, provided they also finish within the top 10.

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This rule change has increased the strategic importance of securing the fastest lap, as evidenced in the thrilling 2021 Formula 1 season.

Lewis Hamilton’s fastest lap at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix played a crucial role in ensuring he entered the final race of the season, tied on points with eventual World Champion, Max Verstappen.

Additionally, the driver who records the most fastest laps in a season receives a special DHL award at the end of the campaign.

With this context, Sports Brief highlights the list of Formula 1 drivers who have achieved the most fastest laps in the history of the sport.

Formula 1 drivers with the most fastest laps

Michael Schumacher - 77

The iconic German racer not only holds the record for the most drivers' championships but also leads in the number of fastest laps recorded in Formula 1 history.

According to data from GP Racing Stats, Schumacher set 77 fastest laps, with his first at the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix and his last at the 2012 German Grand Prix.

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Breaking down his record, Schumacher achieved 55 of these fastest laps with Ferrari, 23 with Benetton, and the final one with Mercedes AMG.

Lewis Hamilton - 67

The British driver closely follows in second place with a total of 67 fastest laps throughout his illustrious career.

The 39-year-old recorded his first fastest lap at the 2007 Malaysian Grand Prix, with his most recent at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix.

Of Hamilton's 67 fastest laps, 55 were achieved with Mercedes, while the remaining 12 were set during his time with McLaren as captured by GP racing Stats.

Kimi Raikkonen - 46

The 2007 World Champion is also among the Formula 1 drivers with the most fastest laps. The ice-cold Finnish driver boasts 46 fastest laps during his illustrious career.

Raikkonen's first fastest lap was at the 2002 Australian Grand Prix, and his last was at the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.

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A closer look at Raikkonen's record, according to GP Racing Stats, shows he set 23 fastest laps with Ferrari, 19 with McLaren, and four during his stint with Lotus.

Alain Prost - 41

The four-time World Champion is also among the drivers with the most fastest laps in Formula 1.

According to GP Racing Stats, the retired driver recorded his first fastest lap in his 19th race at the 1981 French Grand Prix, with his final one at the 1993 Japanese Grand Prix.

Prost set the majority of his 41 fastest laps with McLaren, where he recorded 24. The French driver also achieved eight with Renault, six with Williams, and three with Ferrari.

Formula 1 longest driver pairings

Sports Brief also previously reported on the longest drivers pairing in Formula 1.

This listing follows from Sergio Perez’s contract extension with Red Bull Racing.