Formula 1: Top five Drivers with the most wins at Japanese GP

The Japanese GP, one of the earliest races held on the Asian continent, boasts a storied Formula 1 history. Except for the first two races in 1976 and 1977, where the events took place at the Fuji Speedway, Suzuka has been the home circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The inception of the Japanese Grand Prix dates back to 1963, with its initial focus primarily centered on sportscars. Historically positioned as one of the season's concluding races, the Japanese Grand Prix has witnessed the coronation of 13 World Champions on its hallowed grounds. Notable features of this high-speed circuit encompass the exhilarating 'S' Curves, the formidable 130R corner, and the intricate Degner Curve, all complemented by its renowned crossover section.

Since 1987, this prestigious event has been hosted at the revered Suzuka Circuit, a track that commands immense admiration from numerous drivers. Furthermore, the circuit has witnessed innumerable events, from Mika Hakkinen winning his first of 51 podium finishes in F1 to Ayrton Senna’s disqualification in the 1989 Japanese GP.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 5 drivers with the most wins at the F1 Japanese GP:

5. Mika Hakkinen (2 wins)

Mika Hakkinen’s victory at the Japanese Grand Prix holds a special place in Formula 1 history. The Finnish driver’s win in Japan was a defining moment in his career and a significant milestone for both him and his team, McLaren.

The race in question is often associated with the 1998 Japanese Grand Prix, which took place at the Suzuka Circuit. Mika Häkkinen, driving for McLaren-Mercedes, secured a crucial victory in this race. The win was instrumental in his pursuit of the World Drivers' Championship title that year, marking his second consecutive championship win, having also clinched the title in 1998.

4. Ayrton Senna (2 wins)

Ayrton Senna, one of history's most iconic and celebrated Formula 1 drivers, achieved several victories during his illustrious career. Senna's performances at the Japanese Grand Prix are legendary and have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Ayrton Senna secured his first victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1988 while driving for McLaren-Honda. This victory was significant as it sealed his first World Drivers' Championship title. Senna's dominance throughout the season was on full display at Suzuka, where he showcased his exceptional skills in wet and challenging conditions.

Apart from the victories, the Suzuka circuit also witnessed the dramatic collision between Senna and his rival, Alain Prost, which handed victory to Prost in 1989. The controversial incident added intrigue to Senna's storied career.

3. Sebastian Vettel (4 wins)

Since his debut in Formula 1 in 2007, Sebastian Vettel has established himself as one of the sport's prominent figures. His remarkable achievement came in the 2010 season when he became the youngest driver in history to clinch the World Championship title.

Sebastian Vettel secured his first victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2009 while driving for Red Bull Racing. Vettel holds the record for being the youngest World Champion in Formula One with the third-most race victories (53), podium finishes (122), and fourth-most pole positions (57).

In 2013, Sebastian Vettel won a dramatic Japanese Grand Prix but missed out on his first attempt to win a historic fourth world title.

2. Lewis Hamilton (5 wins)

Since his incredible rookie season in 2007, he has consistently exceeded expectations. He has climbed to the pinnacle of the all-time pole positions chart, surpassing his idol Ayrton Senna. Hamilton's triumphs at Suzuka showcased his exceptional skills as a driver and his ability to perform consistently at the highest level (2007, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018).

Lewis Hamilton secured his first victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2007, driving for McLaren-Mercedes. This win was part of his impressive rookie season and his battle for the World Drivers' Championship, although he narrowly missed out on the title that year.

He has also surged to the top of the wins columns, achieving the remarkable feat of matching Schumacher's seven world titles, solidifying his status as one of the greatest in the sport's history.

1. Michael Schumacher (6 wins)

Michael Schumacher, an iconic figure in the world of Formula 1, has celebrated numerous triumphs at the Japanese Grand Prix throughout his illustrious career.

Michael Schumacher initially clinched victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1995, during his second championship-winning season. Even after his move to Ferrari, Schumacher's performance at Suzuka remained remarkably consistent. He continued to secure wins in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, and his final triumph in 2004, forever etching his name into Japan's racing history. Achieving six wins in Japan was a formidable accomplishment that set a high bar for future generations.