All-time top Formula 1 drivers 1950-2022, by number of pole positions

As of October 2022, the Formula 1 driver with the greatest number of pole positions was Lewis Hamilton; having achieved 103 pole positions within his career. Lewis Hamilton lies comfortably in the lead with Formula 1 legend, Michael Schumacher, following behind with 68 pole positions. The pole position is the most favourable place for a car to start the race in, situated on the inside of the front row and is assigned to the driver with the fastest qualifying time.

Formula 1

Formula 1 is a popular motorsport, attracting thousands of fans to Grand Prix race events each year, with millions more watching on television. It is the highest class of international racing for single-seater formula racing cars and is regulated by the international governing body of motorsports, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The name ‘Formula 1’ refers to the vehicle regulations that all participants must adhere to and to the grading of the racetracks upon which the Grand Prix races take place, which must all be considered grade one by the FIA.

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers of all time, having not only achieved 103 pole positions but the same number of race victories within his career as of October 2022. This is the greatest number of race victories attained by any Formula 1 driver since 1950; and 12 victories more than the number attained by Michael Schumacher who, as of the same month, still held the record number of fastest race laps and was tied with Lewis Hamilton in the number of world championship titles won. In 2021, Lewis Hamilton was by far the highest paid Formula 1 driver worldwide with his salary for the year amounting over 50 million U.S. dollars and his total projected on-track earnings amounting approximately 62 million U.S. dollars.