During the 2020 Italian Grand Prix qualifying laps at Monza (known as ‘The Temple of Speed’), British F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton beat his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas to pole position (his 94th) while also recording the fastest qualifying lap in the history of Formula 1 history, at one minute 18.887 with average speed of 164.286mph. An extra amazing feat given that the track has eleven turns.
A Brief History of Formula 1 Fastest-Lap Records
September 2018 – Kimi Raikkonen records a lap of 1 minute 19.119 seconds (with an average speed of 263.587kph – taking 0.406 off Montoya’s 14 year fastest average speed record)
September 11th, 2014 – Juan Pablo Montoya blazed around the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in a Williams FW26 in just one minute 19.525 seconds (with an average speed of 262.242kph).
In 2004 during Italian qualifiers, Juan Pablo Montoya clocked an average speed of 262.242 km/h (162.9 mph) around Monza’s Temple of Speed circuit in his BMW-powered Williams – holding the record for the fastest ever lap by a Formula 1 car in an official session for 14 years.
Lewis Hamilton, one of the most accomplished drivers in Formula 1 (F1) history, holds numerous records in the sport. Notable records include:
- World Championships: Hamilton holds the record for the most World Drivers’ Championship titles. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, he has won a total of seven championships, matching the record previously set by Michael Schumacher. Hamilton clinched his titles in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
- Race Wins: Hamilton holds the record for the most race victories in F1 history. As of my knowledge cutoff, he has achieved over 100 Grand Prix wins, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Schumacher. Hamilton consistently adds to this record with his remarkable performances.
- Pole Positions: Hamilton has the most pole positions in F1 history. He has demonstrated his exceptional qualifying skills and has secured pole position more than 100 times, establishing a record for the highest number of pole positions.
- Podium Finishes: Hamilton also holds the record for the most podium finishes in F1. He has consistently finished in the top three throughout his career, accumulating a significant number of podium appearances.
- Consecutive Points Finishes: Hamilton set a record for the most consecutive points finishes. From the 2016 Japanese Grand Prix to the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix, he finished in the top 10 in 33 consecutive races, showcasing his consistency and reliability as a driver.
- Most Wins at Different Circuits: Hamilton has won races at a wide range of circuits, and he holds the record for the most wins at different tracks. He has achieved victories at various venues around the world, showcasing his adaptability and skill in different racing conditions.
- Fastest Laps: Hamilton holds the record for the most fastest laps in F1. His ability to set impressive lap times during races has contributed to his success and established him as one of the fastest drivers in the sport.
- Points Finishes in a Season: In the 2019 season, Hamilton achieved a record by scoring points in every race of the season. This consistency and reliability helped him secure his sixth world championship title.
A sports-journalist & Las Vegas native, Thomas lives for professional basketball, NFL, college football and Ice-Hockey. When he is not watching sports (or analyzing sports data), he can usually be found reading a book in a secluded corner. Tom is also a contributor at GamblingIndustryNews.com & Vegas-Odds.com.
