Hamilton's place in F1's best qualifying lap debate

After scorching to his 93rd pole at Spa, Lewis Hamilton's status among Formula 1's greatest qualifiers is unquestioned. But how does his "extra-terrestrial" lap compare against the best ever, and what parameters should be set for the debate?

Published Sep 2, 2020, 3:38 PM

Lewis Hamilton has more Formula 1 pole positions than any driver in world championship history. His current tally of 93 puts him miles ahead of second-placed Michael Schumacher (on 68) and even his strike rate is similar to that of Ayrton Senna, regarded by some as the fastest ever F1 driver.

But does Hamilton have a particular standout lap, one that bears comparison with, for example, Senna's famous 1988 Monaco Grand Prix performance?

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Author Kevin Turner

Kevin Turner is Autosport’s Chief Editor. While studying History at the University of York, Kevin began covering UK club events as a freelance reporter for Autosport and Motorsport News. He joined the Autosport staff as Editorial Assistant on the magazine in 2006, winning what is now known as the Motorsport UK Young Journalist of the Year Award. He became National Editor in 2008 and over the next few seasons covered a range of international events, including the Le Mans 24 Hours, as well as the British Touring Car Championship and British GT. Kevin became Features Editor before switching to edit Motorsport News in 2014.

He returned to Autosport in 2016 to become editor of the magazine, a dream job that is still part of his role.

He became Chief Editor in 2020, helping to plan content for autosport.com and Autosport’s podcast as well as seeing the magazine through the coronavirus pandemic. Kevin also led work on the special publication celebrating 70 years of Autosport and has been a judge on the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award, formerly known as the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, since 2008. He lives in Warboys with his wife and two children.