F1 2025 Grid: Who Has the Most Pole Positions?

Half of the 20 drivers set to compete in the 2025 Formula 1 season have achieved at least one pole position in their careers. Lewis Hamilton stands alone at the top, holding the record for the most pole positions in F1 history, with a tally nearly matching the rest of the current grid combined.

Why it matters:

• Pole position is often seen as a key indicator of raw speed and qualifying prowess, and these statistics highlight the experienced top qualifiers versus those still building their careers.
• With rule changes and new team dynamics, understanding the qualifying strengths of each driver can offer insights into potential race performances and championship battles.

The Details:

• Lewis Hamilton (104 poles): The all-time F1 leader, Hamilton broke Michael Schumacher's record in 2017 and has continued to extend his lead. His dominance during Mercedes' hybrid era contributed significantly to his tally, with 71 poles between 2014 and 2021. His most recent pole was at the 2023 Hungarian GP.
• Max Verstappen (47 poles): At just 28 years old, Verstappen is already fifth on the all-time list, showcasing his exceptional speed and consistent performance with Red Bull.
• Charles Leclerc (27 poles): Leclerc holds the distinction of having the most pole positions without a world championship. He is widely regarded as one of F1's fastest drivers over a single lap, capable of outstanding qualifying performances.
• Fernando Alonso (22 poles): While not typically known as a qualifying specialist, Alonso's poles largely came during his championship-winning years in the mid-2000s, with his last pole in 2012. He almost added another at the 2023 Monaco GP.
• Lando Norris (14 poles): Norris's first pole came in challenging wet conditions at the 2021 Russian GP. His most recent was at the 2025 Mexican GP, highlighting his growth as a top-tier qualifier.
• George Russell (7 poles): Russell's breakthrough pole came at the 2022 Hungarian GP, followed by strong showings including his 2024 Canadian and British GP poles. He added to his tally at Vegas and Qatar in 2024, and then again in Canada and Singapore in 2025.
• Carlos Sainz (6 poles): All of Sainz's six career pole positions were achieved during his four-year tenure with Ferrari.
• Oscar Piastri (5 poles): In only his third F1 season, Piastri secured his maiden pole at the Chinese GP and has rapidly added four more, establishing himself as a 2025 championship frontrunner.
• Nico Hulkenberg (1 pole): Hulkenberg's sole pole came in his rookie season in 2010 at Interlagos in mixed conditions, a testament to his natural talent.
• Lance Stroll (1 pole): Stroll's single pole was achieved at the chaotic 2020 Turkish GP in extremely low-grip conditions, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure in difficult circumstances.

The Big Picture:

Only ten drivers on the 2025 grid have achieved a pole position, indicating a significant concentration of qualifying success among a select few. The F1 pole position record system also had a unique anomaly in 2021, where sprint race winners were awarded pole for three races instead of the Friday qualifying session's fastest driver.

What's next:

As the 2025 season progresses, these numbers will undoubtedly shift. Young talents like Piastri and Norris are expected to add to their tallies, while veterans like Hamilton and Verstappen continue to extend their already impressive records. The dynamic nature of F1 means every qualifying session presents an opportunity for drivers to etch their names further into the sport's history.