Max Verstappen has led for 448 laps over 14 GPs, while no other driver has reached 100 laps.
448 to 0
One of the most intriguing statistics from the first half of the 2024 Formula 1 season concerns the laps led by the drivers. The remarkable balance seen on track so far is reflected in these numbers, with the usual exception of the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen. Despite heading into the summer break after four consecutive races without a win, the Dutch superstar holds a massive lead not only in points but also in the unique ranking of laps led. Thanks to his early-season dominance, the Red Bull driver has crossed the finish line first 448 times, compared to the zero laps led by his teammate Sergio Perez.
Tight Race Behind Max
Max Verstappen’s total becomes even more daunting when considering that no other driver has managed to lead even 100 laps. In second place in this curious ranking is Lando Norris, who, despite leading for 95 laps, has only managed to convert it into one victory at the Miami GP. Following the McLaren driver are Ferrari’s two representatives, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, both of whom have claimed one win each this year. The Monegasque driver has led for a total of 88 laps across 14 GPs, while the Spaniard has led for 68 laps despite missing one race due to his absence in Jeddah. Close behind the Spaniard are George Russell (61 laps led, 14 of which were in the race he won at Spa before being disqualified) and Oscar Piastri (55 laps led).
Lewis Hamilton’s Efficiency
The last driver to have led at least one lap is Lewis Hamilton, who holds an interesting distinction. With only 30 laps spent at the front, the seven-time Formula One world champion and future Ferrari driver has managed to secure two wins this season. This was thanks to his late lead at Silverstone and the disqualification of his teammate in Belgium, which allowed him to win despite spending the entire second half of the race in second place. As the saying goes, “being in front when it matters most.”
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