Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton: the battle of records

Benefit Lewis Hamilton

This is the most eloquent record currently concerning the Briton’s pedigree. Since the 2017 Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has more pole positions than Michael Schumacher. 

The “Kaiser” has in fact won 68 poles (69 if we take into account his best time recorded in Monaco in 2012 and withdrawn for a collision with Bruno Senna at the previous event), or 20 less than the driver Mercedes (88)

Well helped by equipment above the competition since 2014, Lewis Hamilton took only 201 participations before surpassing Michael Schumacher's record when the latter built his impressive number of 68 poles in 242 participations. 

Perfect equality 

Furthermore, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher share two records. First of all, the two men have scored the greatest number of poles in the same Grand Prix. With McLaren, in 2008 and 2012, the wearer of the No. 44 achieved the best lap in Melbourne (Australia), before starting a long series with Mercedes between 2014 and 2019.

For Michael Schumacher, this record was established in Japan, on the uncompromising Suzuka track, from 1994 to 2004. For the record, the eighth pole in the Land of the Rising Sun was accomplished in exceptional circumstances, on a Sunday morning. 

Regularity is also an undeniable asset for performing well. It is logical that the duo holds the record for the most podiums in a season (17). However, the statistic leans slightly in favor of the “Red Baron” because in 2002, he finished every race on the podium! Yes, all 17 rounds! Where Lewis Hamilton was able to burn at least two jokers per year between the 2015 and 2019 seasons

Advantage Michael Schumacher

Passionate about F1 always believed that Michael Schumacher's record of 91 successes would never be beaten. Gold, the question is no longer whether Lewis Hamilton can do better, but when.

Indeed, the former McLaren protégé accumulates already 84 victories. Since the introduction of the V6 Turbo Hybrid regulations in 2014, Lewis Hamilton has had around ten winner's trophies per year. 2020 could thus be a momentous year for the history of the discipline, with a Lewis Hamilton who would equal the seven coronations of “Schumi” and his number of victories! 

However, a clarification is necessary. Michael Schumacher has amassed 91 successes in the space of 247 events where Lewis Hamilton already has 250… 

*All these statistics were finalized after the 2019 Abu Dhabi GP.