Formula 1: Top five best starts to a F1 season after seven races

There is no stopping the flying Dutchman Max Verstappen in 2023.

It’s no secret that Formula 1 is a highly competitive sport, with 20 drivers vying for victory in every race. However, once in a while, a generational talent emerges, dominating the sport and leaving fans wondering how such a godly feat can be accomplished.

Today, we explore some of the most remarkable starts to an F1 season after seven races, showcasing the achievements of legendary drivers who have made an indelible mark on the sport.

Michael Schumacher - 1994 Season

Long-time fans of the sport remember the 1994 season as the emergence of a new F1 legend following Ayrton Senna. Driving for Benetton, Michael Schumacher secured an astonishing six wins in the first seven races, along with a second-place finish and three pole positions. This not only cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with in F1 but also led him to his first driver’s championship title.

By the time of his retirement in 2013, Schumacher had amassed an impressive seven world titles (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004), 91 wins, 77 fastest laps, and 155 podiums.

Jim Clark - 1965 Season

At a time when security measures weren’t as stringent in F1, and accidents were rampant, one driver stood above the rest: Jim Clark. The Scotsman, driving for Lotus, not only scored the maximum points in each of the races he participated in but also won the Indy 500, secured the British and European Formula 2 championships, triumphed in the Tasman Series, and excelled in saloon and sports car races. His sheer dominance and talent in 1965 truly established him as a legend of the sport, and his legacy as one of the greatest drivers of all time endures to this day.

Jenson Button - 2009 Season

The 2009 season goes down in history as one of the most controversial in Formula 1, as Jenson Button’s Brawn 001 car exploited a loophole in the regulations with its clever double diffuser, providing it with a distinct advantage over the competition. However, Button’s driving abilities were also exceptional as the British driver won six of the opening seven races, alongside a third-place finish and four pole positions. This sheer dominance propelled him to win the Driver’s Championship in 2009.

Michael Schumacher - 2004 Season

Returning to the list is the legendary Michael Schumacher, this time for his extraordinary performance in the 2004 season. Driving for Ferrari, the German driver secured six victories in the first seven races, along with five pole positions. And despite a DNF in one race, his sheer dominance was evident as he clinched his seventh and final Driver’s Championship title.

Sebastian Vettel - 2011 Season

No Formula 1 list would be complete without mentioning the fan-favourite Sebastian Vettel. Driving for Red Bull in 2011, the German driver showcased his unwavering dominance by securing five wins, two second-place finishes, and an incredible six pole position in the first seven races. This remarkable start not only propelled him to his second Driver’s Championship title but also solidified his place as one of the generational talents in F1.

Max Verstappen - 2023 Season

For anyone who follows the sport today, Max Verstappen is no stranger, having already won two consecutive Driver’s Championships. In the 2023 season, the Dutchman has had a flying start, securing five wins, two second-place finishes, and four pole positions in the first seven races.

However, the championship fight is far from over, as his teammate Sergio Perez has also been performing at Max’s level and any mistake by the Dutchman might just open the door for Perez to take over.