In the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing, the coveted pole position serves as a testament to a driver’s skill, speed, and strategy. As we navigate the 2025 season, it’s an opportune moment to assess the pole position achievements of the current grid’s drivers, who are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for racing supremacy.
Most notably, Lewis Hamilton continues to dominate the grid, holding the record for the most pole positions in F1 history. His tally, an impressive 104 pole positions, is almost equivalent to the combined total of the other eight drivers who have managed to secure pole. Hamilton’s astounding record-breaking feat began at the 2017 Italian Grand Prix, where he surpassed Michael Schumacher’s long-standing record by securing his 69th pole. Since then, he’s added another 35 to his name. Hamilton’s remarkable run was significantly bolstered by Mercedes’ dominance during the hybrid-engined era from 2014-2021, during which he secured 71 pole positions.
Max Verstappen, the Dutch dynamo, follows Hamilton on the list, holding the fifth position in the all-time pole sitters’ list with 40 poles. At just 27, Verstappen’s potential to climb higher is palpable, with 17 more poles needed to match the record of the four-time Red Bull world champion, Sebastian Vettel.
Charles Leclerc, another young talent, has secured 26 pole positions, a feat that places him at the 11th spot in the all-time pole sitters’ list. Interestingly, Leclerc holds the distinction of having the highest number of pole positions among drivers who have yet to clinch a world championship. Known for his extraordinary qualifying performances, Leclerc remains a formidable contender.
Fernando Alonso, a seasoned veteran in the sport, has 22 pole positions to his name. Despite not being renowned as a qualifying specialist, Alonso’s performance in qualifying sessions has been commendable, even though his most recent pole position dates back to the 2012 German Grand Prix.
Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, with 10 and 6 poles respectively, are further proof that the future of F1 is in capable hands. Norris’ first pole was at the 2021 Russian Grand Prix, while Sainz bagged all his poles during his four-year stint with Ferrari.
George Russell, another rising star, has secured 5 pole positions, with his best performance coming at the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix. Nico Hülkenberg and Lance Stroll, each with a single pole position to their name, round off the list of drivers who have secured a pole position.
The remaining 2025 F1 grid, including Jack Doohan, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Ollie Bearman, Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, Alex Albon, and Oscar Piastri, are yet to secure a pole position.
This list will continue to evolve as the 2025 F1 season progresses, making each race a thrilling watch for F1 enthusiasts worldwide. As drivers vie for pole positions and race victories, fans can expect more exciting and nail-biting moments in the races to come.