2026 Canadian Grand Prix - Post-Sprint Qualifying Procedure v2

From: The FIA Formula 1 Media Delegate
To: All Teams, All Officials
Document: 15
Date: 22 May 2026
Time: 12:24

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Note to Teams: Post-Sprint Qualifying Procedure v2

The Post-Sprint Qualifying procedure requires the fastest driver to be interviewed once he has got out of his car. Please ensure the following procedures are followed:

1. Procedure for the Fastest Driver

• Location: If taking the chequered flag at the end of SQ3, the fastest driver only should return to the Pit Lane, where he will find the number 1 board in front of the podium close to the Pit Lane Exit.
• Access Restrictions: Other than team mechanics (with cooling fans if necessary), officials, and FIA pre-approved TV crews/photographers, no one else is allowed in this designated area (no driver physios, no team PR).
• Weighing: Once out of the car, the fastest driver will be weighed by the FIA. The driver must remain fully attired (helmet, gloves, etc.) until weighed.
• Interviews & Photos:
  • The Post-Sprint Qualifying interview will take place in the designated area (interviewer selected by the Commercial Rights Holder).
  • After the live interview, the driver will be led to the backdrop for a Pirelli Award photo opportunity.
  • The driver will then conduct a pooled TV interview at the back of the FIA Garages. There will be no Press Conference following the Sprint Qualifying.
• Pit Lane Finish: If the fastest driver is already in the Pit Lane at the end of the session, the team must ensure he goes directly to the designated area once other drivers arrive.

2. Procedure for Other Drivers

• SQ1/SQ2 Eliminations & SQ3 (2nd-10th): Drivers eliminated in SQ1 and SQ2, drivers classified from 2nd to 10th in SQ3, and drivers who did not participate in SQ1 but are eligible to race must conduct a pooled TV interview immediately after being weighed by the FIA. This takes place directly behind the FIA garage.
• Weighing Requirements:
  • Any drivers finishing SQ1 or SQ2 must proceed directly to the FIA scales through the pit-lane. They must not drink anything or do anything to increase their weight before being weighed.
  • Any driver stopping on track during qualifying (and not requiring a Medical Centre visit) must proceed to the FIA scales before returning to their team.
  • Top 10 finishers must proceed to the FIA scales immediately upon exiting their cars without contacting any other person.

Please refer to the attached Sprint Qualifying - Parc Fermé Diagram for visual details.

Roman De Lauw
The FIA Formula 1 Media Delegate