Schumacher’s Incredible Record Survives as Norris Ends Verstappen’s Streak
Lando Norris‘s championship victory has kept Michael Schumacher‘s remarkable record of five straight F1 titles safe for another year.
Verstappen came up short in his dramatic comeback attempt against the English driver, falling just shy of matching Schumacher’s legendary run with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004.
It’s a case of déjà vu for F1 fans. Back in 2021, Verstappen himself played spoiler when he dramatically denied Lewis Hamilton on the final lap in Abu Dhabi, stopping Hamilton from equaling Schumacher’s five consecutive championships.
The Dutchman’s own impressive streak stops at four titles (2021-2024).
He came agonizingly close to joining Schumacher in the record books.
Sebastian Vettel remains the only other driver with four consecutive championships, dominating from 2010 to 2013 with Red Bull before his partnership with the team unraveled in 2014. That season saw teammate Daniel Ricciardo get the better of him, leading to Vettel’s departure.
Several other F1 greats have managed back-to-back titles throughout the sport’s history. Ferrari’s Alberto Ascari did it first in 1952-1953, followed by McLaren heroes Ayrton Senna (1990-1991) and Mika Häkkinen (1998-1999). Fernando Alonso achieved the feat with Renault, claiming championships in 2005 and 2006.
Longest F1 Championship Streaks
5 titles – Michael Schumacher (2000-2004, Ferrari)
4 titles – Sebastian Vettel (2010-2013, Red Bull)
4 titles – Max Verstappen (2021-2024, Red Bull)
4 titles – Lewis Hamilton (2017-2020, Mercedes)
2 titles – Alberto Ascari (1952-1953, Ferrari)
2 titles – Ayrton Senna (1990-1991, McLaren)
2 titles – Mika Hakkinen (1998-1999, McLaren)
2 titles – Fernando Alonso (2005-2006, Renault)
With Norris establishing himself as a championship-caliber driver and several teams closing the performance gap, will anyone manage to put together a streak like Schumacher’s again? The increasingly competitive F1 field suggests it might be tougher than ever.
