In F1, Sundays decide race wins, but Saturdays are the true depiction of raw pace. Qualifying is unquestionably a key element of F1, which gives you an advantage heading into the race. Qualifying well is an important element of winning races and championships on a consistent basis. This is highlighted by the caliber of drivers whose names feature in the list of the top 5 qualifiers in F1 history.
Unsurprisingly, all of the top 5 qualifiers in F1 history are former world champions. One would have to go all the way down to 12th on the list, to find Charles Leclerc, the highest-ranked driver without a championship.
Taking a look at the top 5 qualifiers in F1 history
Much like numerous other F1 records, extremely familiar names feature on the list as well. 2 retired, 2 active and 1 eternal name. Here is the list of 5 drivers with the most pole positions in F1 history.
#5 Max Verstappen – 43
Verstappen has already made his way into the top 5 qualifiers in the history of the sport, with 43 pole positions [as of June 10, 2025]. The reigning world champion’s first pole position came at the 2019 Hungarian GP, and his latest at the 2025 Miami GP.
The Dutchman has converted 33 out of his 43 pole positions into victories. This is the best pole-to-win ratio in F1 history for drivers with over 5 poles (76%). [via Autosport.com]
#4 Sebastian Vettel – 57
Vettel is fourth on the list with 57 pole positions in 300 race entries. The German driver took the majority of these awards during his time at Red Bull when he won four consecutive world titles from 2010 to 2013. His first pole came at the 2008 Italian GP, while his last came at the 2019 Japanese GP.
#3 Ayrton Senna – 65
Senna secured 65 pole positions in just 162 races. This means that the legendary Brazilian driver was on the pole for over 40% of the races he entered in his F1 career. The 3x world champion’s first pole came during the 1985 Portuguese GP. His last pole, however, came during the 1994 San Marino GP, the race during which he was tragically killed.
#2 Michael Schumacher – 68
Michael Schumacher ended his legendary career with the most pole positions and race wins in F1 history, at the time of his retirement. He secured his first pole at the 1994 Monaco GP, and his 68th and final at the 2006 French GP.
#1 Lewis Hamilton – 104 F1 pole positions
Hamilton is in a league of his own on this list, with 104 pole positions to his name. Being one of only two drivers still active on this list, the Briton can still add to this number. The 7x world champion claimed his first pole at the 2007 Canadian GP. His latest pole came during the 2023 Hungarian GP.
Hamilton also holds the record for most wins in F1, with 105. He only has 14 more race wins than Schumacher (91), in 57 more races so far. But Hamilton has achieved 36 more poles than Schumacher, highlighting the Briton’s mastery in qualifying during the peak of his career.
