2026 Qualifying Format Adjusted for Expanded F1 Grid

Formula 1 is adjusting its qualifying format for the 2026 season to accommodate an expanded grid. With the arrival of Audi and Cadillac bringing the total number of cars to 22, the knockout sessions will become more competitive. The changes will see six drivers eliminated in both Q1 and Q2, a shift from the current five-car format that adds pressure across the board.

Why it matters:

The expanded grid is a clear sign of F1's growth and global appeal, particularly with the high-profile entry of General Motors via Cadillac. However, this growth necessitates procedural tweaks to maintain fair and exciting competition. The change raises the stakes for midfield teams, where the margin for error shrinks significantly, making every lap on a Saturday afternoon more critical than ever.

The details:

The core structure of qualifying remains the same, but the numbers have been tweaked to handle the 22-car field.

• Standard Qualifying:

  • Q1: 22 cars will battle for 16 spots, with 6 drivers eliminated.
  • Q2: The remaining 16 drivers will compete for the final 10 places in Q3, with another 6 knocked out.
  • Q3: The top 10 will continue to fight for pole position.
  • Session durations are unchanged: 18 minutes for Q1, 15 for Q2, and 12 for Q3.

• Sprint Weekends:

  • The same elimination logic applies to the shorter Sprint Qualifying sessions.
  • SQ1 (12 mins) and SQ2 (10 mins) will each see 6 drivers eliminated.
  • SQ3 (8 mins) will feature the top 10 fighting for sprint pole.
  • A minor procedural change: The clock will now stop during red flags in the sole practice session on sprint weekends to prevent teams from losing valuable track time.

What's next:

While the format is familiar, the increased density on track will undoubtedly add a new layer of tension to qualifying. Teams, especially those in the tightly packed midfield, will need to perfect their run plans and minimize errors to avoid a premature exit. These adjustments are just one component of a massive regulatory overhaul for 2026, which also includes a 50/50 hybrid power unit and active aerodynamics, promising a dramatically new era for the sport.