Lewis Hamilton extends record for longest gap between first and last F1 wins
Lewis Hamilton's win at the recent Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix has extended his own Formula 1 record for the longest winning career span. This latest victory came in his twentieth season, significantly longer than his maiden win in 2007, highlighting an unmatched sustained period of success in the sport.
While Hamilton holds the record, several other notable drivers have achieved remarkable longevity in their winning careers. Riccardo Patrese, for instance, spanned over 10 years between his first and last victories, a period that also saw him hold the record for most Grand Prix starts for a considerable time. Gerhard Berger's career also featured a long winning gap, with his first and last wins notably marking milestones for the Benetton team.
Other drivers achieving long winning intervals include Jack Brabham, Sebastian Vettel, Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, and Alain Prost, each spanning over a decade between their initial triumphs and final wins. Michael Schumacher and Kimi Räikkönen also feature high on the list, with their winning careers stretching beyond 14 and 15 years respectively.
Schumacher's first win was in 1992, with his last occurring in 2006, before a later return to the sport without further victories. Räikkönen's winning career began in 2003, with a significant gap before his final win in 2018, following a break from F1 and subsequent returns. Hamilton's current record, now extending to 19 years, is a testament to his enduring competitiveness across different eras and teams.
