Formula 1 records: Most wins, pole positions and world championships

Motorsport is all about pushing yourself and your car to the absolute limit. Over the decades, Formula 1 records have tumbled as drivers have pushed harder, engines have become more powerful and the cars, inevitably, faster.

Achievement in F1 is spread between constructors and drivers. Over decades in the sport, teams like Ferrari, McLaren and Williams have broken Formula 1 records with consistently quick cars and the fastest drivers.

Here, you will find the Formula 1 records for most championships race wins, pole positions, race entries for both teams and individuals. If you want to know more about the youngest drivers to win championships, races, points and podiums, read our article here.

List of Formula 1 records

Most Drivers’ World Championships

Upon winning the 2024 season, Max Verstappen’s breaks into the top 4, going level with Vettel and Prost. Lewis Hamilton remains atop the record table alongside Michael Schumacher with seven titles apiece. The German was dominant at the turn of the century, winning five titles on the bounce with Ferrari. These were in addition to his double world championships with Benetton in the ’90s. It was a record that looked unassailable. However, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ dominance in the hybrid era turned the motorsport world on its head.

Hamilton replaced Schumacher at Mercedes after the German’s retirement at the end of 2012. Since then, Hamilton won six world titles between 2014 and 2020. Those six titles, along with his maiden championship in his second season with McLaren, make him the joint-most successful driver ever.

Juan Manuel Fangio’s record of five titles in the 1950s stood the test of time. The first great driver of the Formula 1 era, he finished 1st or 2nd in the championship in the first seven seasons he entered. His record stood until 2003 when Schumacher clinched his 6th title. Alain Prost’s battles with Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet earned him four titles. As did Sebastian Vettel’s absolute dominance with Red Bull in the early 2010s.

Most Constructors’ World Championships

As the longest-serving team in Formula 1, it’s no surprise to see Ferrari sitting atop the Constructors’ Championship table. Omnipresent in Formula 1 since its first season in 1950, the Scuderia has become a symbol for the sport. But it’s one thing to turn up to every race, it’s another to win them. For decades, the Scarlet Red Ferrari has been at the front of the grid, and it has won the Constructors’ title 16 times, along with producing the Drivers’ champion on 15 occasions. Its world champions include Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Mike Hawthorn, Phil Hil, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher and, most recently, Kimi Raikkonen.

McLaren snatched their constructor’s title since 1998 when Lando Norris won the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. That sees them go level in second alongside Williams, but there is still a gulf between first and second in this list. Williams has been present in Formula 1 since 1977 and took its nine titles throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Keke Rosberg, Alain Prost and Damon Hill are among some of its driver champions.

Most Grand Prix Victories (driver)

When he first stepped into a Formula 1 car, the paddock knew this guy was special. But when Lewis Hamilton took his first victory in Canada in 2007, no one expected what would follow. Lewis Hamilton stormed to a record 104 victories. Red Bull’s Flying Dutchman may have stemmed the flow of victories, but Hamilton has demonstrated in 2024 that he still has what it takes to reach the top step…

Max Verstappen’s record-breaking season in 2023 knocked Ayrton Senna off the fifth and Alain Prost off fourth and, in the last race of the season, Sebastian Vettel off third. Not a bad season for the 26-year old driver.

Schumacher’s 91 wins came mostly with Ferrari, including a near-perfect year in 2002. He took 11 victories, five 2nd place finished and a single 3rd place. Sebastian Vettel’s record with Red Bull, and his title pushes with Ferrari, earn him the fourth spot.

Most Grand Prix Victories (constructor)

As you might expect, the teams with the most championships also make up the teams with the most victories. Ferrari remains way out in front and is the only constructor to take more than 200 race victories.

However, the last few years have seen Red Bull enjoy a period of absolute domination. The Austrian team broke the record for consecutive Formula 1 race victories, taking their tally to 15 in a row. The record was previously 11 and held by McLaren, which had stood since 1988.

Most pole positions (driver)

In terms of pole positions, there’s a clear winner. Lewis Hamilton is the first driver to reach triple-digit pole positions. He secured his 100th pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2021. His nearest rival is Michael Schumacher, but with 68 pole positions, it doesn’t come close to the British driver’s total.

Most pole positions (constructor)

Schumacher’s 58 pole positions for Ferrari place the Prancing Horse at the top of this table. They are the only team to reach the 200 pole positions mark.

Stats according to www.statsf1.com