Live updates from Australian Grand Prix qualifying in Melbourne

The first qualifying session of the 2026 Formula 1 season is underway at Albert Park, setting the grid for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix. After three practice sessions, drivers are now pushing their cars to the absolute limit on low fuel to determine the true pecking order for the season's third round.

Why it matters:

Qualifying is the ultimate test of a car's raw, single-lap pace and a driver's ability to extract maximum performance. The grid positions set here are critical for the race, especially on a circuit like Albert Park where overtaking can be challenging. A strong qualifying result can define a team's entire weekend.

The details:

• New Format Adjustments: With the grid returning to a full 22-car field this season, the elimination rules have been adjusted. The bottom six drivers (instead of five) will now be eliminated at the end of both Q1 and Q2.
• Extended Final Shootout: The final qualifying segment, Q3, has been extended to 13 minutes to give the top ten drivers more time and strategic options to set their best laps.
• Session Progression: The qualifying hour is divided into three segments:
  • Q1: All 22 drivers participate, with the slowest six eliminated. Sets positions 17-22 on the grid.
  • Q2: The remaining 16 drivers compete, with the slowest six eliminated. Sets positions 11-16.
  • Q3: The top ten drivers battle for pole position in a 13-minute session, determining the order for the first ten grid spots.

What's next:

The outcome of this session will lock in the starting order for Sunday's Grand Prix. Teams will immediately shift their focus to race strategy, analyzing tire performance data from qualifying to plan their stints. A surprise result in qualifying could signal a shift in team competitiveness or set the stage for a dramatic race-day comeback.