Formula One: Looking back at Lewis Hamilton’s record 69 poles
By Asher Fair
23rd pole – Monza, 2012
Just as he was in his previous pole start at the Hungaroring, Lewis Hamilton was dominant at Monza as well. He led 48 of the race’s 53 laps before taking the checkered flag for the 20th time in his Formula One career and the 11th time after starting the race in front of the rest of the field.
24th pole – Marina Bay, 2012
Hamilton’s worst career finish after starting on pole came at Marina Bay in the 2012 season. He led 19 of the race’s first 22 laps, but he was unable to complete any more of the 59-lap race after that thanks to a gearbox issue. He ended up finished in 24th place in his 24th career pole position start.
25th pole – Abu Dhabi, 2012
For the second straight time after starting on pole, Hamilton failed to finish the race. He led the first 19 laps of the race at Abu Dhabi, but a fuel pressure issue forced him to retire after that, giving him just a 21st place finish at a race that looked like it would yield a victory for him.
26th pole – Interlagos, 2012
Yet again, Hamilton was unable to finish a race after starting on pole. Interlagos marked the third straight time that this was the case. He completed just 54 of the race’s 71 laps, leading 13 of them, before crashing and ending up finishing way back in 20th place. This pole was his final pole driving for McLaren.