Formula 1 Drivers With the Most Consecutive Pole Positions As Verstappen Targets Ayrton Senna’s Feat

• Formula 1 heads to Emilia Romagna for the first European race of the 2024 season
• Max Verstappen heads into the Italian GP with Ayrton Senna's record in his sights
• Sports Brief spotlights Formula 1 drivers with the most consecutive pole positions

While the spotlight often shines brightest on Grand Prix Sundays in Formula 1, largely due to the significant points up for grabs, it's crucial to recognise the pivotal role that a driver's starting grid position plays in shaping the weekend's outcome.

This underscores the paramount importance of Saturday's qualifying session, where a driver's performance directly influences their race prospects.

In this era of wider F1 cars, overtaking has become increasingly challenging, amplifying the significance of securing a favourable grid position.

Thus, mastering the art of setting a blistering lap time becomes imperative for drivers and teams alike. The coveted pole position, earned by the driver with the fastest qualifying lap on Saturday, affords them a clear advantage into the first corner.

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A select few drivers, such as Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen, have excelled in qualifying, frequently securing pole positions.

The three-time World Champion is on the brink of matching an illustrious Formula 1 record currently held by Ayrton Senna.

In light of this, Sports Brief presents a curated list spotlighting Formula 1 drivers with the most consecutive pole positions in the sport's storied history.

Formula 1 drivers with the most consecutive pole positions in history

Ayrton Senna – Eight [Spain 1988 to USA 1989]

The legendary Brazilian driver stands alone as the only one to achieve eight consecutive pole positions in Formula 1 history. He accomplished this remarkable feat behind the wheel of the iconic McLaren Honda MP4/4, a car that dominated the 1988 season by winning 15 out of the 16 races.

Max Verstappen — Seven [Since Abu Dhabi 2023]

The Red Bull driver closely follows Senna on the list of drivers with the most consecutive pole positions in the sport.

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Verstappen has the opportunity to match Senna's record if he secures pole position at the high-speed Imola circuit.

Other drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Alain Prost, have achieved seven consecutive pole positions in the past, but none have managed to surpass Senna's record.

Niki Lauda — Six [Netherlands 1974 to Italy 1974]

The iconic Austrian driver also ranks high among those with the most consecutive pole positions in Formula 1 history.

During his first season with Scuderia Ferrari, the three-time World Champion achieved consecutive pole positions between the Zandvoort race and the Italian Grand Prix.

Lauda shares the record for six consecutive pole positions with other iconic drivers, including Nico Rosberg, Mika Hakkinen, and Nigel Mansell.

Jacques Villeneuve — Five [Japan 1996 to San Marino 1997]

The 1997 Formula 1 world champion is another who was very good at qualifying at the top on race Saturdays.

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The Canadian coasted his Williams car to five consecutive pole positions through the 1996 season and the early stages of the 1997 campaign.

Villeneuve is joined on this list by a few other drivers, including Stirling Moss, Phil Hill, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, and Juan Pablo Montoya.

Formula 1 destructors’ championship

Sports Brief in another report highlighted a list of Formula 1 drivers leading the destructors’ standings.

The list featured Williams Racing driver, Alex Albon, among others on the grid.