Formula 1 has always been about speed, precision, and the pursuit of perfection on the track. Among all the records in motorsport, fastest lap times hold a special place as they show the pure brilliance of both the car and the driver in harmony. In this article, we’ll look at the Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time, highlighting their remarkable performances at different circuits. Each entry comes with its own story, stats, and a detailed table for quick reference.
Lets see the Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time Ever :
10. Charles Leclerc – Australian Grand Prix 2024
Charles Leclerc, one of Ferrari’s brightest talents, showed his raw speed at the Australian Grand Prix 2024. Driving around the Albert Park Circuit, Leclerc clocked an impressive lap time of 1:19.813 on March 24, 2024. His pace in Melbourne proved once again why he is among the elite F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time, bringing Ferrari fans moments of pride after a tough few seasons.
This fastest lap not only underlined Leclerc’s skill but also Ferrari’s progress in adapting to the 2024 car regulations. Known for his aggressive yet controlled driving style, Leclerc has consistently been a contender for fastest laps across multiple races. His effort in Australia set the tone for Ferrari’s season and earned him a well-deserved spot in our list of Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Grand Prix | Albert Park Circuit | 1:19.813 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 24 March 2024 |
9. Michael Schumacher – Chinese Grand Prix 2004
Michael Schumacher, a seven-time world champion, showcased his dominance at the Chinese Grand Prix 2004. Driving his legendary Ferrari, Schumacher recorded a lap time of 1:32.238 at the Shanghai International Circuit on September 26, 2004. Even though track conditions were tricky, Schumacher’s ability to control every corner with precision proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
This lap came during Ferrari’s golden era, where Schumacher, alongside Ross Brawn and Jean Todt, created an unbeatable combination. His lap in China demonstrated both Ferrari’s technical supremacy and his unmatched racecraft. More than just a stat, this performance highlighted Schumacher’s consistency in delivering fastest laps across his career. He remains a legend not only for titles but also for being one of the F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time in history.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Grand Prix | Shanghai International Circuit | 1:32.238 | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | 26 September 2004 |
8. Andrea Kimi Antonelli – Japanese Grand Prix 2025
Rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, racing for Mercedes, stunned the F1 world at the Japanese Grand Prix 2025. The young driver set a lightning-fast lap time of 1:30.965 at the iconic Suzuka Circuit on April 6, 2025. For someone so early in his Formula 1 career, this achievement instantly placed him among the F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time, proving that the future of Mercedes is in safe hands.
Antonelli’s lap was not only quick but also technically brilliant. Suzuka is one of the most challenging circuits, with its fast esses and sharp corners, yet Antonelli showed composure beyond his years. His name now sits alongside legends, and with such a start, fans can expect many more fastest laps to come. This remarkable performance ensures he’s already being spoken of as one of the Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Grand Prix | Suzuka | 1:30.965 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 6 April 2025 |
7. Pedro de la Rosa – Bahrain Grand Prix 2005
Pedro de la Rosa, often remembered as a dependable racer and test driver, left his mark at the Bahrain Grand Prix 2005. Driving for McLaren, he posted a lap time of 1:31.447 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on April 3, 2005. This lap was a reminder of his speed and cemented his place among the F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
Although de la Rosa did not have as decorated a career as some of his peers, this fastest lap proved he could match the best when given the right machinery. Bahrain’s desert track is notorious for its demanding nature, yet de la Rosa managed to push his car to the limit. His contribution to McLaren over the years, especially in development, was invaluable, and this lap remains a shining highlight of his racing career among the Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain Grand Prix | Bahrain International Circuit | 1:31.447 | Pedro de la Rosa | McLaren | 3 April 2005 |
6. Lewis Hamilton – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021
Lewis Hamilton, one of the most successful drivers in F1 history, delivered a spectacular lap at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021. Driving for Mercedes, Hamilton set a blistering lap time of 1:30.734 on December 5, 2021, at the Jeddah Street Circuit. This performance showed why Hamilton is consistently ranked among the greatest F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
The Jeddah track, with its high-speed corners and narrow walls, demands immense courage and accuracy. Hamilton’s ability to find grip and confidence in such conditions highlighted his unparalleled talent. His fastest lap here wasn’t just about speed, it was about control under pressure. It was another reminder that Hamilton belongs at the top when we discuss Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | Jeddah Street Circuit | 1:30.734 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 5 December 2021 |
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5. Max Verstappen – Miami Grand Prix 2023
Max Verstappen, the dominant force of modern F1, left fans in awe at the Miami Grand Prix 2023. The Dutchman, driving his Red Bull, clocked a rapid lap time of 1:29.708 at the Miami International Autodrome on May 7, 2023. This lap further established Verstappen as one of the most aggressive and fearless F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
Miami’s street-style circuit demands a mix of precision and bravery, qualities Verstappen has in abundance. His ability to extract maximum performance out of the car, especially in challenging conditions, made this lap unforgettable. Verstappen’s rise to dominance has been marked by such fastest laps, and this one is a key highlight that places him firmly among the Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Grand Prix | Miami International Autodrome | 1:29.708 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 7 May 2023 |
4. Lewis Hamilton – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2020
At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2020, Lewis Hamilton once again showed why he is among the F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time. Racing at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Hamilton clocked a lap of 1:15.484 on November 1, 2020. This lap remains one of his finest, displaying his deep understanding of both car and circuit.
Imola is a track rich with F1 history and challenges, and Hamilton’s lap demonstrated his ability to master any circuit. The Mercedes car of 2020 was dominant, but Hamilton’s skill made the difference in turning that speed into flawless execution. This performance was a perfect example of why he remains central in any discussion about the Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emilia Romagna Grand Prix | Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari | 1:15.484 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1 November 2020 |
3. Lewis Hamilton – Monaco Grand Prix 2021
Few circuits are as iconic as Monaco, and Lewis Hamilton made it his own at the Monaco Grand Prix 2021. Driving for Mercedes, Hamilton set a fastest lap time of 1:12.909 at the legendary Circuit de Monte Carlo on May 23, 2021. This lap was a breathtaking display of precision and bravery, firmly establishing him among the F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
Monaco’s narrow streets and unforgiving barriers make every lap a risk, but Hamilton thrived under pressure. His lap here was not just quick but also a masterclass in car control, leaving fans and rivals in awe. This iconic fastest lap adds to his reputation and makes him a permanent fixture in the Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monaco Grand Prix | Circuit de Monte Carlo | 1:12.909 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 23 May 2021 |
2. Oscar Piastri – Spanish Grand Prix 2025
Oscar Piastri proved he’s a future superstar at the Spanish Grand Prix 2025. Racing for McLaren, he recorded a stunning lap time of 1:16.330 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 1, 2025. This lap was a statement that Piastri belongs among the elite F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time, despite being early in his career.
Barcelona is a track that tests balance, grip, and consistency, and Piastri mastered all of it with ease. His ability to adapt quickly to different track conditions was on full display. This lap not only added to McLaren’s proud history but also gave fans hope that Piastri will be a future champion. His achievement earns him the number 2 spot in our list of Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Grand Prix | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | 1:16.330 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1 June 2025 |
1. Valtteri Bottas – Canadian Grand Prix 2019
At the top of our list is Valtteri Bottas with his unforgettable performance at the Canadian Grand Prix 2019. Driving for Mercedes, Bottas set a record lap time of 1:13.078 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 9, 2019. His stunning speed puts him firmly at number 1 among the F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
Canada’s track is a mix of high-speed straights and tight chicanes, making it tough for drivers to find the perfect rhythm. Bottas not only found it but also delivered a lap that left fans speechless. This moment remains one of the highlights of his career and a reminder of how quick he can be on the right day. Bottas may not have the most world titles, but his fastest lap in Montreal secures him the top spot in our ranking of Top 10 F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Lap Time | Driver | Team | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Grand Prix | Circuit Gilles Villeneuve | 1:13.078 | Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | 9 June 2019 |
FAQs
Q1: Who holds the number one spot among F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time?
A1: Valtteri Bottas holds the top spot with his incredible lap of 1:13.078 at the Canadian Grand Prix 2019.
Q2: How many times does Lewis Hamilton appear in this list of F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time?
A2: Lewis Hamilton appears three times, at the Saudi Arabian GP 2021, Emilia Romagna GP 2020, and Monaco GP 2021.
Q3: Are fastest lap times always from recent years?
A3: Not necessarily. While modern cars are faster, legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Pedro de la Rosa from the 2000s also make the list of F1 Drivers With Fastest Lap Time.
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