Formula 1: All-Time Top Drivers, by number of championship points
Formula 1 driverNumber of championship points
Lewis Hamilton4,639.5
Sebastian Vettel3,098.0
Max Verstappen2,586.5
Fernando Alonso2,267.0
Kimi Räikkönen1,873.0
Valtteri Bottas1,797.0
Nico Rosberg1,594.5
Michael Schumacher1,566.0
Sergio Perez1,486.0
Daniel Ricciardo1,317.0
Jenson Button1,235.0
Felipe Massa1,167.0
Charles Leclerc1,074.0
Mark Webber1,047.5
Carlos Sainz982.5
Alain Prost798.5
Rubens Barrichello658.0
Lando Norris633.0
Ayrton Senna614.0
David Coulthard535.0
Nico Hülkenberg530.0
Nelson Piquet485.5
Nigel Mansell482.0
George Russell469.0
Esteban Ocon422.0
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: as of Jan, 2024
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 27, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Lewis Hamilton leads with the highest championship points

Lewis Hamilton stands at the pinnacle of Formula 1 drivers with an unparalleled 4639.5 championship points, showcasing his dominance in the sport over the years.

Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen follow Hamilton

The competition for the runner-up position is fierce, with Sebastian Vettel securing 3098.0 points and Max Verstappen closely trailing with 2586.5 points, highlighting the intense rivalry among the top drivers.

Significant gap between top and bottom championship point earners

A striking disparity exists between the top earner, Lewis Hamilton, and the driver at the bottom of the list, Esteban Ocon, who has accumulated 422.0 points, illustrating the vast differences in career achievements within the group.

Michael Schumacher's legacy in championship points

Despite newer scoring systems possibly inflating recent drivers' points, Michael Schumacher remains a formidable figure with 1566.0 points, emphasizing his historical impact on Formula 1 racing.

The top five drivers surpass 1000 championship points

Drivers in the top five, including Hamilton, Vettel, Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Kimi Räikkönen, have each amassed over 1000 championship points, underscoring their consistency and success across multiple seasons.

Emergence of recent talents

Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, with 1074.0 and 633.0 points respectively, are notable for their rapid ascents in the sport, indicating a shift towards a new generation of competitive drivers.

Historical greats maintain their ranks

Legends such as Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, with 798.5 and 614.0 points respectively, continue to hold their places among the all-time top drivers, showcasing the enduring legacy of their achievements despite the evolution of the points system over the years.

Diverse national representation among top drivers

The list reveals a broad international representation, with drivers from various countries such as the UK, Germany, Finland, and Brazil, among others, reflecting Formula 1's global appeal and competitive diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who leads with the highest championship points in Formula 1?

Lewis Hamilton leads with an unrivaled 4639.5 championship points.

Who are the top competitors following Lewis Hamilton?

Sebastian Vettel follows with 3098.0 points and Max Verstappen is close behind with 2586.5 points.

Terms and Definitions

Also known as F1, Formula 1 is an international auto racing sport, recognized as the highest level of professional open-wheel car racing. It is governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The series is known for its high-speed multi-turn races on a variety of circuit types, including street, road and hybrid tracks.

In the context of Formula 1, drivers are professional athletes who compete in the F1 races. These drivers must possess exceptional reflexes, technical know-how, physical endurance, and strategic thinking to drive at high speeds under challenging and changing conditions.

These are points awarded to Formula 1 drivers (and also to teams) based on their final positions in each Grand Prix race. The driver with the highest number of points at the end of the season is declared the world champion. The current system, as of the first race of the season, awards 25 points for a 1st place finish, decreasing down to 1 point for finishing in 10th place.

Grand Prix, French for 'Great Prize', is a term used for a Formula 1 racing event. It typically refers to a country's most significant or prestigious race. Each season consists of a series of Grand Prix on different circuits around the world.

The FIA is an international governing body for many significant auto racing events, including Formula 1. It sets the rules for F1 races, including safety standards,

A type of racing in which the vehicles' wheels are positioned outside the car's main body. Distinguished by their large front and rear wings, and engine situated behind the driver, Formula 1 cars are the prime example of open-wheel racing vehicles.

In motor racing, a circuit is a closed route or course that is competed on multiple times in a race. Circuits may be oval, in which case the race is often called an 'oval track racing', or more complex shapes with a series of turns in different directions.

In each Grand Prix, before the actual race, drivers compete in a qualifying session to determine their starting order. The pole position is the first place starting position, awarded to the driver who records the fastest lap time during the qualifying session.
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Formula 1, known for its high-speed racing, involves the participation of renowned car manufacturers and drivers worldwide who compete annually in multiple Grand Prix races. Read more »