All-time top Formula 1 drivers 1950-2024, by number of pole positions
As of January 2024, the Formula 1 driver with the greatest number of pole positions was Lewis Hamilton, having achieved 104 pole positions throughout his career. Lewis Hamilton lies comfortably in the lead with F1 legend, Michael Schumacher, following behind with 68 pole positions. The pole position is the most favorable 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 104 pole positions but also 103 race victories within his career as of January 2024. This is the greatest number of race victories attained by any Formula 1 driver since 1950, and 14 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 2022, Lewis Hamilton was the second highest paid Formula 1 driver worldwide, with his salary for the year amounting to around 55 million U.S. dollars.