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A Year of Domination: Most Points In An F1 Season

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Published Oct 2, 2023

So, you're wondering who had the most points in an F1 season? Let's get in to it!

In the world of Formula 1, the quest for supremacy revolves around a myriad of statistics, records, and achievements. One of the most coveted accomplishments for both drivers and teams is securing the most points in a single Formula 1 season. Points are awarded to drivers and teams based on their finishing positions in each Grand Prix race throughout the season, with the ultimate goal of clinching the World Drivers' Championship and the World Constructors' Championship.

The significance of achieving the most points in a Formula 1 season cannot be overstated. It is a testament to a driver's exceptional skill, consistency, and ability to navigate a grueling calendar of races across different circuits around the world. This achievement not only crowns a champion but also symbolizes the pinnacle of excellence in the high-speed world of Formula 1, where every point earned is a testament to the dedication, skill, and precision of those involved in the pursuit of victory.

These are the five drivers with the most points in a single F1 season:

1. Max Verstappen: 454 Points

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Team: Red Bull Racing
Year: 2022

Max Verstappen is a Dutch driver who was born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium. Verstappen is widely regarded as one of the most talented and promising drivers in the sport. In 2016, he was promoted to the senior Red Bull Racing team mid-season, becoming the youngest driver ever to race for a top-tier team in Formula 1 at the age of 18.

Verstappen cemented his legacy as an all-time great in 2022 with the most dominant individual season in Formula 1 history. He smashed the record for most wins in a season, taking home first at 15 different races in 2022. Verstappen is on pace to possible break his record this season, as he has 400 points with a hand full of races still slated to be raced.

2. Lewis Hamilton: 413 Points

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Team: Mercedes AMG
Year: 2019

Lewis Hamilton's 2019 Formula 1 season was another remarkable chapter in his illustrious career. Competing for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Hamilton secured his sixth World Drivers' Championship title, further solidifying his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. He won a total of 11 Grand Prix races during the 2019 season, out of 21 races on the calendar. These victories included races in countries like Australia, China, Spain, Monaco, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Russia, Mexico, the United States, and Abu Dhabi.

Lewis Hamilton amassed a total of 413 championship points during the 2019 season, securing the championship with several races to spare. His dominance was evident in his ability to score consistently high points in nearly every race.

3. Lewis Hamilton: 408 Points

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Team: Mercedes AMG
Year: 2018

Lewis Hamilton's 2018 Formula 1 season was another highly successful campaign in his career, as he raced for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Hamilton secured his fifth Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship in 2018. This achievement tied him with Juan Manuel Fangio for the second-most championships in Formula 1 history at the time, with only Michael Schumacher having more.

Hamilton accumulated a total of 408 championship points during the 2018 season, securing the championship with races to spare. His dominant performances were marked by his ability to consistently finish near the top of the standings. He won a total of 11 Grand Prix races during the 2018 season out of 21 races on the calendar. These victories included races in countries like Australia, Spain, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Singapore, Russia, Japan, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi.

4. Sebastian Vettel: 397 Points

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Team: Red Bull Racing
Year: 2013

Sebastian Vettel's 2013 Formula 1 season was one of the most dominant and successful campaigns in the history of the sport. Vettel clinched his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship title in 2013. This extraordinary achievement made him one of only a few drivers in history to achieve four consecutive championships at the time.

Vettel amassed a total of 397 championship points during the 2013 season, further highlighting his ability to score points consistently in nearly every race. He won a remarkable total of 13 out of 19 Grand Prix races , establishing a new record for the most wins in a single season at the time. His victories included races in countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Bahrain, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, India, Abu Dhabi, and Brazil.

5. Sebastian Vettel: 392

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Team: Red Bull Racing
Year: 2011

Sebastian Vettel's 2011 Formula 1 season was one of the most dominant and successful seasons in the history of the sport. He won his second consecutive Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship title, marking the beginning of his era of dominance in the sport.

Vettel amassed a total of 392 championship points during the 2011 season, setting a new record at the time for the most points scored in a single season. He won a remarkable total of 11 out of 19 Grand Prix races during the 2011 season, establishing himself as the dominant force in Formula 1.