A method for optimizing the driving of a pile into the ground by a pile-driving machine using a hammer ram; moving a block for driving the pile towards the end of the pile with an impact energy (Wkin); determining a kinetic variable (Q1) of the impact, proportional to the kinetic energy of the block, when the block is moving towards the pile in the pile driving direction; determining the value of a kinetic variable (Q3) of the return motion, proportional to the kinetic energy of the block, when returning, after an impact on the pile, in a direction opposite to the pile driving direction; calculating a kinetic variable ratio (Q1/Q3); comparing (Q1/Q3) with a predetermined target value (Q1/Q3tav) for (Q1/Q3), producing the shortest possible total pile driving time (ttot); adjusting the impact energy (Wkin) of the next impact so (Q1/Q3) of the next impact is changed towards (Q1/Q3tav).