Pole Position

Pole position is the first position on the Formula 1 starting grid, awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap time in qualifying. Starting from pole position provides a significant advantage — the driver has the best line into the first corner, avoids the risk of first-lap incidents involving cars starting behind, and has clear air ahead. The term "pole position" originates from the early days of motor racing, when the fastest qualifier was placed at the inside of the front row — the position closest to the pole that marked the start of the race. A bonus point has been awarded for pole position since 2014. Ayrton Senna holds the record for most pole positions relative to races entered (65 poles from 161 races — 40.4%).

Pole position has been part of F1 since the beginning. The record for most pole positions is held by Lewis Hamilton (104). Ayrton Senna's 65 poles from 161 races represents the highest pole percentage in F1 history.