Pole position

Sprint Race Results 2022 Emilia Romagna F1 Grand Prix

Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen driving the Red Bull RB18 stops in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the 2022 F1 Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna

Pole position is the number-one slot on the Formula 1 grid, awarded to the fastest driver in qualifying. It offers the best line into Turn 1, the widest choice of racing line, and historically the highest probability of leading the race and winning it. In modern F1 it also earns a championship point and, until 2025, a decisive tactical advantage on Sunday.

What is pole position in F1?

Pole position is grid slot number one, given to the driver who set the fastest lap time in Q3 of qualifying. The name comes from historical horse-racing, where the pole was the inside marker at the start of a race. In F1 it usually sits on the "clean" side of the track, the side that produces the best getaway grip, though the choice sometimes depends on the corner geometry of Turn 1.

Why pole matters

  • the best chance of leading Turn 1 and setting the early pace of the race;
  • a clean-air stint before pit stops, protecting tyres;
  • fastest lap championship point available for the pole-sitter's in-race pace;
  • full control of the initial pit-stop window;
  • a psychological advantage over rivals coming into the weekend.

How pole is decided

Modern qualifying is a three-stage knockout format. Q1 lasts 18 minutes and eliminates the slowest five drivers. Q2 lasts 15 minutes and eliminates another five. Q3 lasts 12 minutes and features the ten fastest drivers battling for the top ten grid slots. Pole goes to the fastest driver in Q3 on a single flying lap, usually attempted twice for margin.

Pole position records

Lewis Hamilton holds the outright record for career pole positions at 104 and counting. Michael Schumacher sits second on 68. Ayrton Senna won 65 poles in a career shorter than either. Senna also holds the record for most poles at a single Grand Prix (Monaco, five times) and Hamilton for most consecutive poles (five in 2015).

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Frequently asked questions about pole position

What is pole position in F1?

Pole position is grid slot number one, awarded to the fastest driver in Q3 qualifying. It offers the best line into Turn 1 and the highest chance of leading the race.

Why is it called pole position?

The term comes from horse racing, where the inside marker at the start line was known as the pole. F1 adopted the terminology from other early motor-racing series.

Who has the most F1 pole positions in history?

Lewis Hamilton, with 104 pole positions and counting. Michael Schumacher is second with 68, Ayrton Senna third with 65.

How is pole position decided in modern F1?

Through a three-stage knockout qualifying session on Saturday. Pole goes to the driver with the fastest lap in Q3.

Does pole guarantee a race win?

No, though it correlates strongly. Historically about 35 to 45 per cent of pole positions convert to race wins, depending on the era. The trend rises when the fastest car is also the most reliable.

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