A Three-Part Knockout, With a New Twist
Formula 1’s qualifying format still follows its familiar Q1, Q2, Q3 structure in 2026, but the arrival of an 11th team has forced a genuine change to how many drivers get eliminated at each stage.
How Each Segment Works
- Q1 (18 minutes): All 22 cars run; the six slowest are eliminated, setting grid positions 17 through 22
- Q2 (15 minutes): The remaining 16 drivers compete; six more are eliminated, filling positions 11 through 16
- Q3 (13 minutes): The final 10 drivers fight for pole position and the top 10 grid slots
What Changed for 2026
Previously, five drivers were eliminated in both Q1 and Q2. With the grid expanded to 22 cars for the first time since 2016, that number has risen to six in each session. Q3 has also been extended by a minute, from 12 to 13 minutes, with the break before it trimmed by a minute in compensation.
The 107% Rule
Introduced back in 1996, this rule requires every driver to set a Q1 lap within 107% of the fastest time to be eligible to start the race, a safety measure designed to prevent large speed differences between cars on track.
Why It Matters More in 2026
With six eliminations instead of five, the margin for error in the midfield has shrunk considerably. A single mistake can now be the difference between advancing and missing out entirely, particularly relevant for teams still adjusting to this year’s regulation changes.
Sprint Weekends Are Different
On sprint weekends, a separate Sprint Qualifying session sets the grid for Saturday’s shortened race, explained fully in our sprint race guide.
Conclusion
Qualifying remains one of Formula 1’s purest tests of outright speed. With a bigger grid and tighter margins in 2026, every tenth of a second now carries even more weight.