Verstappen dominates F1 rain statistics as Hamilton and Leclerc face surprising verdict

Max Verstappen has established himself as Formula 1’s outstanding wet-weather performer, with statistics suggesting that the Red Bull driver has been operating on another level whenever the conditions deteriorate. However, an analysis comparing performances in wet and dry races has also produced some unexpected findings involving Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.

After examining 19 rain-affected Grands Prix over the past eight seasons, this analysis compares drivers’ performances in those events with their overall points averages. The findings put Verstappen comfortably ahead of his rivals, while challenging some familiar perceptions about other drivers’ abilities in difficult conditions.

The analysis also raises questions about Ferrari’s longstanding difficulties in the rain and identifies several drivers whose performances improve considerably when the weather turns against the field.

 

Verstappen’s extraordinary wet-weather record

Verstappen’s numbers are particularly impressive. The Dutchman has accumulated 363.5 points across the 19 rain-affected Grands Prix examined, almost twice as many as Hamilton.

He has also won 10 of those 19 races, demonstrating a remarkable ability to turn difficult conditions into opportunities to extend his advantage over his competitors.

His consistency is arguably even more impressive than his victories. Verstappen finished on the podium in 15 of the 19 races and never finished outside the top seven.

No other driver in the comparison managed to score points in every one of those events.

The analysis suggests that Verstappen’s advantage is not simply down to outright speed. His ability to manage tyres, avoid mistakes and make the correct decisions when conditions change has repeatedly separated him from the competition.

His performances in Germany in 2019 and Brazil in recent seasons provide further illustrations of how effectively he can exploit unpredictable weather.

 

Norris emerges as a genuine rain specialist

While Verstappen occupies the leading position, Norris also emerges with considerable credit.

The McLaren driver has won four of the 19 rain-affected Grands Prix, including four of the last five victories in the sample attributed to him. His performances in difficult conditions have become an important part of his reputation.

The comparison suggests Norris benefits more from wet conditions than his overall points average might indicate.

That is particularly interesting when considering the machinery available to the drivers. The analysis points out that Hamilton accumulated more than 30 fewer points than Norris in these races, despite scoring almost 600 more points overall during the same eight-year period.

However, differences in team performance, reliability and individual circumstances mean that points totals cannot independently establish which driver is more naturally talented in the wet.

Sebastian Vettel also receives recognition. Between 2019 and 2022, the German scored almost 50 per cent more points in rain-affected races than his overall average would suggest.

Nico Hülkenberg is another notable performer, with his average increasing from 1.4 points per race to 2.7 when the conditions become wet.

 

Ferrari’s lengthy wait for a wet-weather victory

The statistics make uncomfortable reading for Ferrari.

The Italian team last won a rain-affected Grand Prix in Malaysia in 2012, when Fernando Alonso held off a young Sergio Pérez to secure an unexpected victory.

Since then, Ferrari has managed podium finishes in wet conditions but has failed to return to the top step.

That represents 31 rain-affected Grands Prix without a victory, according to the analysis.

It is a particularly striking statistic given Ferrari’s history and resources, although the team’s performance has varied considerably across different regulations and driver line-ups.

The figures also highlight how opportunities can emerge for teams and drivers capable of adapting quickly when conditions change.

 

Hamilton and Leclerc produce unexpected numbers

Perhaps the most controversial finding concerns Hamilton.

Despite his reputation as one of Formula 1’s greatest wet-weather performers, the statistics show his average points haul falling from 13.2 per Grand Prix across the period to 10.0 in rain-affected races.

The analysis highlights several difficult weekends, including Imola in 2021 and Germany in 2019, where mistakes affected his results.

Hamilton’s difficult Brazilian weekend provides another recent example, although isolated performances should not be confused with an assessment of his entire career.

Leclerc also struggles in the comparison. The Ferrari driver has previously acknowledged feeling uncomfortable with the car in wet conditions, making confidence an important factor in his performances.

George Russell is another driver whose statistics are affected by mistakes and technical problems, while Oscar Piastri has also found consistently strong wet-weather performances difficult to produce.

Valtteri Bottas occupies the bottom position in the comparison. Despite averaging almost six points per Grand Prix across the period, his average in rain-affected races falls to just 1.4. He has not scored a point in a wet race since 2022.

There is, however, an important qualification. Younger drivers such as Kimi Antonelli have considerably smaller samples, while the machinery available to each competitor makes direct comparisons difficult.

Ultimately, the numbers reinforce Verstappen’s extraordinary consistency in the wet. They also provide an interesting reminder that a driver’s reputation and statistical performance do not always tell exactly the same story.

Join the discussion below

 

Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.