Who has the most podiums in F1 history?

In the realm of Formula One, the top three drivers who secure positions P1, P2, and P3 in a race are honored with prizes that they receive atop the winners’ podium. While the race victor stands at the pinnacle of the podium’s central spot, achieving any podium finish is considered a remarkable feat in the world of F1.

Since the formal inception of the championship in 1950, a total of 215 distinct drivers have graced the podium, albeit some have accomplished this feat more frequently than others in the course of their careers. Among these notable achievers is the revered Spanish driver, Fernando Alonso, who celebrated his 100th podium finish at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, this leads us to wonder: has anyone exceeded this milestone in the history of the sport? Let’s delve into the record books to uncover who boasts the highest number of top-three race finishes in the annals of F1.

And the titleholder of this prestigious record is none other than the illustrious British driver, Lewis Hamilton, who has notched up an impressive 197 podiums and counting over the course of his Formula One career. Hamilton’s journey commenced with McLaren in 2007, a year marked by an extraordinary feat — he clinched top-three positions in all nine of his initial races in F1. His debut in Australia saw him secure a commendable P3, and he followed this with a spectacular victory at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix, marking the first triumph of his illustrious career.

From that pivotal point, Hamilton’s trajectory soared, culminating in his unprecedented seven World Drivers’ Championships, a feat shared only with the legendary Michael Schumacher. His remarkable achievements have firmly established him as a strong contender for the title of the greatest racer in the history of F1.

As it stands, Hamilton’s tally appears to be an almost insurmountable record, especially if he continues to add to it. Nevertheless, the formidable Dutch sensation, Max Verstappen, is emerging as a compelling challenger, already boasting an impressive 84 podium finishes to his name. The F1 community eagerly anticipates the ongoing battle for supremacy between these two extraordinary talents.

 

Top 10 drivers with most podium finishes in F1 history