Max Verstappen Set to Surpass Lewis Hamilton in Top F1 Rankings

Max Verstappen records his 123rd Formula 1 podium at the Mexican Grand Prix, his 229th start, tightening an already compelling statistical duel with Lewis Hamilton for podium consistency.

The Red Bull driver’s trajectory stems from a debut victory at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, followed by four titles and a current campaign against Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

His podium breakdown is 68 wins, 37 second places, and 18 thirds. The latest result moves him past Sebastian Vettel on the all-time podium list.

Only Hamilton and Michael Schumacher sit ahead on total podiums. Hamilton leads decisively with 202, including 105 wins, amassed across 376 starts over an 18‑year career.

On percentage, the gap is microscopic. Verstappen posts 53.71% podiums; Hamilton registers 53.72%. That measure controls for era length and rewards relentless weekend execution.

Interlagos provides the next inflection point. A Verstappen podium would move him ahead on percentage regardless of Hamilton’s result, intensifying a rivalry built as much on consistency as outright pace.

Among active peers, the podium-rate deficit is clear. Oscar Piastri stands at 36.36%, Charles Leclerc at 29.94%, and Lando Norris at 28.38%, with Fernando Alonso on 25.18%.

History still sets the bar higher. Juan Manuel Fangio’s 68.63% remains the benchmark, with Alain Prost, Schumacher, and Ayrton Senna forming the next tier of sustained excellence.

The numbers also reflect Red Bull’s operational sharpness. Strategy accuracy, tyre range management, and reliability convert race control into repeatable outcomes, amplifying Verstappen’s ability to capitalise.

With decisive races ahead, the emphasis remains on execution. If the percentages swing, Verstappen strengthens an already elite resume while continuing his incremental push toward Hamilton on raw totals.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.