One of F1’s toughest challenges, the Japanese Grand Prix has been largely dominated by only two men in recent years. And these are, unsurprisingly, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.

Highest number of race wins by a driver

And should he win the race again this weekend, Hamilton will equal Michael Schumacher’s record for the highest number of wins at all editions of the Japanese grand prix.

Hamilton won this race in 2007 with McLaren and in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 with Mercedes, the latter of which have won every single race in Japan since the beginning of the hybrid era.

Greatest number of pole positions by a driver

In terms of pole positions, the record is held by Schumacher, with an impressive eight.

For Benetton, he took pole in 1994 and 1995.

The German continued the trend from 1998-2002 and again in 2004 with Ferrari.

None of the current crop of drivers today, however, have come close to the great German’s amazing feat, with Hamilton and Vettel each having four pole positions.

Vettel’s were from 2009 – 2012, all with Red Bull Racing.

And Hamilton’s were in 2007 and 2008 with McLaren and 2017 and 2019 with Mercedes.

Most Podium Finishes by a constructor

In terms of podium finishes by constructors, the Suzuka record goes to McLaren, with 25 to their name. Their first podium was in 1976 by James Hunt, with 2011 being the most recent, by the then race winner Jenson Button.

Coming in second and third are Ferrari with 22 and Red Bull Racing with 12.

Only one driver got his maiden win in Suzuka

As well, interestingly, in the history of the Japanese grand prix, there is only one driver who got his first-ever race win in Suzuka.

That honour goes to Alessandro Nannini with Bennetton in 1989, and was the end of his 61st race. However this continued to remain as his only career victory throughout all of his 76 race starts between the years of 1986 – 1990.