Formula 1: Top five drivers with most wins for a single team
Man and machine working together in perfect harmony is one of F1's greatest sights.
This list contains some of the most successful Formula 1 drivers, who are recognized all around the globe for their consistency and the ability to push their car to the limit.
They are not only successful individually but rather they make their own name synonymous with their team’s name.
5. Ayrton Senna for McLaren Racing
From 1988 to 1993, Ayrton Senna drove for McLaren, and together they achieved numerous victories and three driver's championships. Senna has won 35 races with McLaren in his career. When Senna joined McLaren in 1988, the team was already a top contender in Formula 1.
Senna's arrival further strengthened McLaren's position and marked the beginning of a dominant period for both driver and team. McLaren provided Senna with a highly competitive car, which is considered one of the most successful and iconic cars in Formula 1 history.
The partnership between Senna and McLaren achieved exceptional success. In 1988, their first year together, Senna won the driver's championship, while McLaren secured the constructor's championship. Senna and McLaren repeated this feat in 1990 and 1991, further solidifying their dominance in the sport.
Senna's extraordinary talent and relentless pursuit of perfection made him a force to be reckoned with. He possessed exceptional speed, outstanding car control, and unmatched determination. Senna's driving skills, combined with his intense focus and dedication, allowed him to extract the maximum performance from the car.
McLaren's commitment to excellence and technical prowess played a pivotal role in their success. They developed innovative aerodynamics, advanced suspension systems, and cutting-edge technology that consistently pushed the boundaries of performance. McLaren's ability to provide Senna with a competitive and well-engineered car allowed him to showcase his extraordinary skills. The legacy of Senna's partnership with McLaren continues to be celebrated as one of the most successful and revered eras in the history of the sport.
4. Sebastian Vettel and 3. Max Verstappen for Red Bull Racing
With 38 wins as a Red Bull driver, Max Verstappen has equalled the record of Sebastian Vettel. The partnerships between Verstappen, Vettel, and Red Bull Racing flourished for several reasons. Red Bull Racing always provided a competitive car that suited the driving styles of both drivers.
Red Bull Racing emphasized a culture of innovation and constant development. They had a strong technical team that worked closely with the drivers to refine and improve the car throughout the season. The team nurtured both these drivers and made them the best on the grid.
In 2010, Vettel and Red Bull Racing had a breakthrough season. Vettel secured his first driver's championship, becoming the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history at the age of 23. The partnership continued to flourish, resulting in three more consecutive championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
In total, Vettel and Red Bull won four consecutive titles. During these years, Vettel's dominance was unparalleled, with his ability to qualify on pole position frequently and his superb racecraft. Max on the other hand has won two back-to-back driver’s championships in 2021 and 2022. Having signed a contract that extends till 2028, Verstappen has a lot of time in his career to achieve feats like Schumacher and Hamilton.
2. Michael Schumacher for Scuderia Ferrari
Michael Schumacher's career with Ferrari was one of the most iconic and successful partnerships in Formula 1 history. He won 72 races in his time with the prancing horses. Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that would transform the Italian team into a dominant force in the sport.
At the time of Schumacher's arrival, Ferrari had not won a driver's championship since 1979 and had been struggling to find consistent success. However, Schumacher's exceptional driving skills and his ability to provide valuable technical feedback played a pivotal role in turning the team's fortunes around.
One of the key factors behind the success of Schumacher and Ferrari was the exceptional teamwork and synergy they developed over the years. Ferrari recognized Schumacher's talent and built the team around him, providing the necessary resources and personnel to support his efforts.
They worked tirelessly to create a car that suited his driving style and preferences, ensuring he had the best equipment to compete at the highest level. Throughout Schumacher's career with Ferrari, the team achieved unprecedented success.
From 2000 to 2004, he won five consecutive driver's championships, breaking numerous records along the way. Ferrari also clinched the constructor's championship during those years, showcasing their overall dominance in the sport.
1. Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1
Lewis Hamilton is at the pinnacle of this list. Since joining, Lewis Hamilton’s career with Mercedes has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining in 2013, he has achieved feats of wonder and has won 82 races with Mercedes which has been the most successful partnership between a driver and his team. It is worth noting that Hamilton's victories over his rivals were not solely due to his individual efforts.
It is also the dominance of the Mercedes team, which has provided him with a competitive car capable of winning races, has been a crucial factor in his success. The combination of Hamilton's exceptional talent and the team's technical prowess has made them a formidable force on the Formula One grid.
Hamilton's success with Mercedes extends beyond his seven World Championships. He has broken numerous records, including the all-time record for most pole positions, either equalling or surpassing Schumacher's previous best records. He has also achieved the highest number of wins in Formula One history, further solidifying his status as one of the sport's greatest drivers.
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