Verstappen set to break Hamilton's F1 record: The longest-serving drivers at one team
08:00, 21 Aug
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Kieran Lynch
Max Verstappen's decision to commit his future to Red Bull until the end of 2030 could see the four-time world champion set one of Formula 1's most remarkable longevity records. By the time his new deal expires, Verstappen will have spent 15 seasons racing for Red Bull, potentially making their partnership the longest driver-team relationship in F1 history.
It would be a significant achievement in a sport where even the most successful drivers and teams eventually tend to part ways. Verstappen first joined Red Bull's senior team midway through the 2016 season and has since become the most successful driver in the team's history, winning four consecutive world championships between 2021 and 2024.
But who are the drivers Verstappen is set to surpass? From Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher to other legends of Formula One's past, here are the five longest-lasting driver-team partnerships in Formula 1 history.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes – 12 seasons
Hamilton's move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013 initially raised eyebrows, but it ultimately produced the most successful driver-team partnership Formula 1 had ever seen. Across 12 seasons between 2013 and 2024, Hamilton won six world championships with Mercedes as the pair dominated the hybrid era.
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Hamilton and Mercedes combined for six Drivers' Championships, while the team won eight Constructors' titles during his time there. His departure for Ferrari in 2025 finally brought one of F1's greatest partnerships to an end.
Michael Schumacher and Ferrari - 11 seasons
Photo: Race Pictures
Before Hamilton, Schumacher's relationship with Ferrari was the benchmark for a long-term F1 partnership. The German joined Ferrari in 1996 and remained with the Scuderia until his first retirement from Formula 1 at the end of 2006, completing 11 seasons with the team.
Schumacher's arrival began one of the most dominant periods in the sport's history. He won five consecutive world championships between 2000 and 2004 and helped Ferrari establish itself as F1's dominant force at the start of the new millennium. He also narrowly lost out in thrilling title fights against Mika Hakkinen, Jacques Villeneuve and Fernando Alonso. Across his 11 seasons in red, Schumacher won 72 races and claimed 116 podiums.
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3. Max Verstappen and Red Bull - 11 seasons
Verstappen is already in his 11th season with Red Bull, having made his debut for the team at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, winning his first race in their car after being promoted from Toro Rosso.
His latest contract extension would take that partnership through to the end of 2030, meaning 15 seasons together if he sees out the deal in full. No driver has previously spent that long with a single Formula 1 team.
During that time, Verstappen has transformed himself into one of the greatest drivers in the sport's history. Four world championships, a host of records and Red Bull's most successful era have all come during his time with the Milton Keynes outfit.
His decision to stay is all the more notable given the speculation surrounding his future, with Verstappen admitting he had been closer to leaving Formula 1 altogether than changing teams.
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Drivers with nine seasons at one team
Mika Hakkinen at the Singapore GP - Photo: RacePictures
There are multiple drivers with nine seasons at one team, including former teammates Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard, who both spent nine seasons with McLaren. Hakkinen first stepped into McLaren towards the end of 1993 season, winning two titles in 1998 and 1999, before retiring following an initial sabbatical at the end of the 2001 campaign.
Coulthard joined Hakkinen at McLaren in 1996 and partner Hakkinen and his Finnish compatriot Kimi Raikkonen, before joining Red Bull in 2005. Mark Webber is a more controversial inclusion with nine years at the Milton Keynes team, initially under the Jaguar name in 2003 and 2004, before later with Red Bull from 2007 to 2013.
Frenchman Jacques Lafitte spent nine years across two stints with Ligier, initially between 1976 and 1982, and later 1985 and 1986. Meanwhile, in the 1960s, Jack Brabham spent nine years racing for the team of his own name while Jim Clark spent his entire career with Lotus from 1960 to 1968.
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F1 drivers to spend six or more seasons with one team
- 12 seasons - Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes (2013-2024)
- 11 seasons - Michael Schumacher, Ferrari (1996-2006) and Max Verstappen, Red Bull (2016-2026)
- 9 seasons - Mark Webber, Jaguar/Red Bull (2003-2004, 2007-2013), David Coulthard, McLaren (1996-2004), Mika Hakkinen, McLaren (1993-2001), Jacques Lafitte, Ligier (1976-1982, 1985-1986), Jack Brabham, Brabham (1962-1970) and Jim Clark, Lotus (1960-1968)
- 8 seasons - Charles Leclerc, Ferrari (2019-2026), Lando Norris, McLaren (2019-2026), Jenson Button, McLaren (2010-2017), Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari (2007-2009, 2014-2018), Felipe Massa, Ferrari (2006-2013), Nick Heidfeld, Sauber (2001-2003, 2006-2010), Fernando Alonso, Renault/Alpine (2003-2006, 2008-2009, 2021-2022), Pierluigi Martini, Minardi (1985, 1988-1991, 1993-1995), Nigel Mansell, Williams (1985-1988, 1991-1992, 1994)
- 7 seasons - Kevin Magnussen, Haas (2017-2020, 2022-2024), Sergio Perez, Force India/Racing Point (2014-2020), Nico Rosberg, Mercedes (2010-2016), Giancarlo Fisichella, Benetton/Renault (1998-2001, 2005-2007),Alain Prost, McLaren (1980, 1984-1989), Nelson Piquet, Brabham (1979-1985), Graham Hill, BRM (1960-1966)
- 6 seasons - Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull (2009-2014), Adrian Sutil, Spyker/Force India (2007-2011 and 2013), Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari (2000-2005), Ayrton Senna, McLaren (1988-1993) Gerhard Berger, Ferrari (1987-1989, 1993-1995)
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