Which driver has the most pole positions in Formula One history?

Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most pole positions in Formula One history. He reached 104 career poles, putting him ahead of Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and other qualifying specialists.

Hamilton’s first pole came at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix during his debut season with McLaren. He later became especially dominant in qualifying after moving to Mercedes in 2013, winning poles at circuits across several generations of car and tyre regulations. His 104th pole came at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he also set a record ninth pole at that circuit.

A pole position is awarded to the driver who records the fastest qualifying time and therefore starts the race at the front of the grid. It is not the same as winning the race, and a driver can take pole without finishing first. Hamilton’s record is also separate from the record for most race wins, which he holds as well.