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The Most Successful Driver-Team Partnerships in F1 History

Source: Official Team Post via X

The Most Successful Driver-Team Partnerships in F1 History

Max Verstappen's recent Singapore win puts him second in the all-time list of the most successful driver-team pairings in F1 history. This article explores the top 10 combinations that have dominated the sport.

Max Verstappen's triumph at the Singapore Grand Prix not only marked his first victory at the venue but also nudged him closer to yet another record. It was his 73rd win with Red Bull since joining the team in 2016, propelling him to second place on the list of the most successful driver-team combinations in the history of Formula 1. But who tops the Dutchman's accomplishments, and who else makes it into the top 10?

10. Damon Hill and Williams – 21 wins Following his father's legacy, Damon Hill debuted with Brabham in 1992 before securing a race seat with Williams in 1993. His first victory came at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and he continued to be a formidable force, particularly after the tragic loss of his teammate Ayrton Senna. Hill eventually clinched the championship in 1996 before parting ways with Williams.

9. Nico Rosberg and Mercedes – 23 wins Nico Rosberg carved his path in F1 following his father's footsteps, moving to Mercedes in 2010. His first victory came at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix, and he went on to win nine races in 2016, securing the championship before his unexpected retirement.

8. Jim Clark and Lotus – 25 wins Jim Clark spent his entire career with Lotus from 1960 until his untimely death in 1968. A maestro of his era, Clark secured his first victory at the 1962 Belgium Grand Prix and won two world titles in 1963 and 1965.

7. Nigel Mansell and Williams – 28 wins Nigel Mansell achieved 28 victories with Williams across three stints. His first win came at the 1985 European Grand Prix, and he won the championship in 1992 with nine victories, marking a high point in his career.

6. Alain Prost and McLaren – 30 wins Alain Prost's return to McLaren in 1984 saw him narrowly miss the title, but he claimed back-to-back championships in 1985 and 1986. Prost's tenure with McLaren ended in 1989 with his third title, before moving on to Ferrari and Williams.

5. Ayrton Senna and McLaren – 35 wins Ayrton Senna is forever linked with McLaren, where he won three championships and 35 races. His time with the team from 1988 to 1993 was marked by fierce rivalry with Alain Prost and unforgettable wins, including six victories at Monaco.

4. Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull – 38 wins Sebastian Vettel's move from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in 2009 set the stage for a dominant period. With 38 wins and four consecutive titles between 2010 and 2013, Vettel left an indelible mark on the sport.

3. Michael Schumacher and Ferrari – 72 wins Michael Schumacher's switch to Ferrari in 1996 led to a period of dominance, with five consecutive titles from 2000 to 2004. Schumacher's first win with Ferrari came in a rain-soaked Spanish Grand Prix, and his legacy includes a total of 72 victories with the team.

2. Max Verstappen and Red Bull – 73 wins Max Verstappen continues to build his legacy with Red Bull, having claimed his 73rd win in Singapore. His debut victory at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix made him the youngest race winner, and he has since secured multiple titles, including a record-breaking 2023 season.

1. Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes – 84 wins Lewis Hamilton's move to Mercedes in 2013 proved to be a masterstroke, resulting in 84 victories and six world championships. His first win for Mercedes came at the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix, and his partnership with the team remains the most successful in F1 history.