Charles Leclerc has firmly established himself as one of Formula 1’s premier qualifiers. Since joining Ferrari in 2019, Leclerc has secured 26 of the team’s last 34 pole positions, accounting for an impressive 76.47% of their top qualifying spots. This remarkable statistic underscores his exceptional one-lap pace and ability to extract maximum performance during qualifying sessions.
The Qualifying Maestro
Charles Leclerc’s prowess in qualifying is evident in his career statistics. With 26 pole positions out of 147 Grand Prix entries, he boasts a pole position rate of approximately 17.69%, placing him among the elite in the sport’s history. Notably, he ranks second in Ferrari’s all-time pole position list, trailing only the legendary Michael Schumacher.
Even more impressively, since 2010, Ferrari has secured a total of 49 pole positions — and Leclerc alone accounts for 26 of them. That means Leclerc has claimed more pole positions than all other Ferrari drivers combined over the past 15 years, a list that includes world champions and F1 greats such as Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Räikkönen, and Carlos Sainz. His ability to consistently deliver when it counts, against the backdrop of some of the sport’s most successful names, underscores just how exceptional his one-lap pace truly is.
His ability to deliver under pressure was on full display during the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, where he clinched pole position and converted it into a long-awaited home victory. This triumph was particularly emotional for Leclerc, as he dedicated the win to his late father.
Expert Endorsements
Leclerc’s qualifying speed has garnered praise from various quarters within the F1 community. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has lauded his driver’s relentless pursuit of perfection, stating:
“We know him for his incessant desire to push himself to the limit and we appreciate his extraordinary abilities when it comes to fighting and overtaking in a race.”
This sentiment reflects the high regard in which Leclerc’s qualifying performances are held, not just within Ferrari but across the paddock.
Navigating Challenges
Despite his qualifying successes, Leclerc has faced challenges in translating pole positions into race victories. Technical issues, strategic missteps, and occasional misfortunes have often hindered his race-day performances. For instance, during the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Leclerc secured a podium finish but acknowledged the need for improvements in qualifying, noting that Ferrari had been lacking in this area for two years.
Leclerc’s candid reflections highlight his awareness of the areas requiring development and his commitment to continuous improvement.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season progresses, Leclerc’s qualifying acumen remains a vital asset for Ferrari. His ability to secure advantageous starting positions provides the team with strategic options on race day. However, converting these positions into consistent race wins will be crucial for both Leclerc and Ferrari to challenge for the championship.
Leclerc’s journey underscores the importance of not only raw speed but also adaptability and resilience. With continued support from his team and a focus on translating qualifying success into race victories, Leclerc is poised to further cement his status as one of Formula 1’s top talents.
