Fastest lap
Quickest lap run during a race.
In motorsport, a fastest lap refers to the single quickest circuit completed during a race. While some series, such as NASCAR, reward championship points for this achievement, Formula One and MotoGP have varied approaches.
Within Formula One, 141 drivers have recorded a fastest race lap. Michael Schumacher leads with 77, followed by Lewis Hamilton on 69. Since 2007, the DHL Fastest Lap Award has been given to the driver with the most such laps in a season. An extra championship point was awarded for the fastest lap during two separate periods: 1950–1959 and 2019–2024. From 2019 to 2024, this point was only available if the driver finished inside the top ten. The point was discontinued for the 2025 season. Fastest laps typically occur late in a race, as track grip improves from rubber buildup and cars become lighter due to fuel consumption.
A study at Durham University examined aerodynamics, noting that cornering performance—enhanced by tire grip—and reduced drag, combined with greater power, can lower lap times.
In NASCAR, no specific fastest lap award or bonus point system has been introduced as of the 2025 season.
In Grand Prix motorcycle racing (covering classes from 50cc to MotoGP), Giacomo Agostini holds the record with 117 fastest laps. Valentino Rossi is second with 96, and Marc Márquez third with 91.
- Formula One record holder
- Michael Schumacher (77 fastest laps)
- Formula One second most
- Lewis Hamilton (69 fastest laps)
- Grand Prix motorcycle racing record hold
- Giacomo Agostini (117 fastest laps)
- Grand Prix motorcycle racing second most
- Valentino Rossi (96 fastest laps)
- Grand Prix motorcycle racing third most
- Marc Márquez (91 fastest laps)
Lore & Background
In Formula One, 141 different drivers have made fastest race laps. Michael Schumacher holds the record for the highest number of fastest laps with 77, followed by Lewis Hamilton with 69. Since 2007, the DHL Fastest Lap Award is given to the driver with the most fastest laps in a season. Between 1950-1959 and 2019-2024, an extra point was given to the driver who recorded the fastest lap during a race. Between 2019 and 2024, the point could only be awarded if the driver achieving the fastest lap finished the race in 10th position or better. The point has been discontinued for the 2025 season. Fastest laps are often set during the final laps of a race. Lap times often decrease as tracks get 'rubbered in' and fuel weights go down as a race progresses.
Reader's Guide
The fastest lap is a key performance metric in motorsports, often used to award championship points or special accolades. In Formula One, the DHL Fastest Lap Award recognizes the driver with the most fastest laps in a season, while in NASCAR, the Xfinity Fastest Lap Award was introduced in 2025 for all three national series. The historical record holders—Michael Schumacher in Formula One and Giacomo Agostini in Grand Prix motorcycle racing—demonstrate sustained excellence. The concept also influences car design: studies have shown that powertrain reconfigurations can cut fastest lap times by over 20 seconds, and aerodynamic improvements that increase cornering grip and reduce drag directly reduce lap times. The fastest lap thus serves both as a competitive achievement and a benchmark for technological advancement.
Did You Know?
- Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most fastest laps in Formula One with 77.
- Giacomo Agostini holds the record for the most fastest laps in Grand Prix motorcycle racing with 117.
- In Formula One, an extra point for fastest lap was awarded between 1950-1959 and 2019-2024, but only if the driver finished in 10th position or better from 2019-2024.
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