F1 Japanese GP: List of all pole sitters over the years

(Courtesy : Formula 1)
Formula 1 heads to the Japanese Grand Prix for the coming weekend with Max Verstappen stepping into the race as the 2024 championship leader. He is closely followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
The Japanese GP is a race that has been nothing but a thriller that has witnessed various memorable and controversial happenings. Whether at Suzuka or Fuji, they have always been a host to some of the most dramatic moments.
Just like the 2018 race was a special one for Lewis Hamilton. Lewis proudly claimed his 80th pole position in the 2018 Japanese GP at Suzuka. In this article, we’ll have a look at other incredible drivers who have also managed to claim pole position in the Japanese series.
List of all drivers who have claimed pole position at the Japanese GP
YEAR | CIRCUIT | DRIVER | CONSTRUCTOR |
1976 | Fuji | Mario Andretti | Lotus-Ford Cosworth |
1977 | Fuji | Mario Andretti | Lotus-Ford Cosworth |
1987 | Suzuka | Gerhard Berger | Ferrari |
1988 | Suzuka | Ayrton Senna | McLaren-Honda |
1989 | Suzuka | Ayrton Senna | McLaren-Honda |
1990 | Suzuka | Ayrton Senna | McLaren-Honda |
1991 | Suzuka | Gerhard Berger | McLaren-Honda |
1992 | Suzuka | Nigel Mansell | Williams-Renault |
1993 | Suzuka | Alain Prost | Williams-Renault |
1994 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Benetton-Ford Cosworth |
1995 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Benetton-Renault |
1996 | Suzuka | Jacques Villeneuve | Williams-Renault |
1997 | Suzuka | Jacques Villeneuve | Williams-Renault |
1998 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
1999 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
2000 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
2001 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
2002 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
2003 | Suzuka | Rubens Barrichello | Ferrari |
2004 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
2005 | Suzuka | Ralf Schumacher | Toyota |
2006 | Suzuka | Felipe Massa | Ferrari |
2007 | Fuji | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren-Mercedes |
2008 | Fuji | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren-Mercedes |
2009 | Suzuka | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull-Renault |
2010 | Suzuka | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull-Renault |
2011 | Suzuka | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull-Renault |
2012 | Suzuka | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull-Renault |
2013 | Suzuka | Mark Webber | Red Bull-Renault |
2014 | Suzuka | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes |
2015 | Suzuka | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes |
2016 | Suzuka | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes |
2017 | Suzuka | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2018 | Suzuka | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
2019 | Suzuka | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari |
2022 | Suzuka | Max Verstappen | Red Bull-RBPT |
2023 | Suzuka | Max Verstappen | Red Bull-Honda RBPT |
2024 | Suzuka | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
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Arpit is a Formula 1 content writer with a passion for storytelling both on and off the track, bringing sharp motorsport analysis and narrative depth to every piece. He is a lifelong bookworm with a deep appreciation for literary classics. He approaches F1 coverage with the eye of a journalist and the soul of a storyteller—believing that great stories, whether on paper or asphalt, deserve to be told well.
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