FIA Makes Eleventh-Hour Adjustment to 2026 Qualifying Format

Just as the 2026 season prepares to commence, the FIA has announced a last-minute modification to the qualifying structure that will expand track time for competitors. The regulatory adjustment promises to deliver increased on-track action during the qualification phase of races throughout the season.

Formula 1 enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the sport's governing body rolls out a fresh change to qualifying procedures heading into the 2026 campaign.

The FIA's surprise announcement arrives at the eleventh hour, introducing modifications that will give drivers and teams additional track time during qualifying sessions across the season ahead. The move represents a notable shift in how F1 will approach the crucial Saturday sessions that determine grid positions for Sunday's headline events.

This development stands to enhance the spectacle of qualifying as teams prepare to tackle the challenges of the new season, promising fans more competitive running and extended opportunities to witness their favorite drivers pushing the limits on track.

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sporting Regulations

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Full Regulation Text

Sporting Regulations

Article B2.4.1

FIA Source

Race Qualifying Session

Chapter: B2

In Simple Terms

Qualifying is the session where drivers compete to determine their starting positions for the race. It normally happens on the second day of a Grand Prix weekend, either 2-3 hours after the final practice session (FP3) or 3-4 hours after the Sprint race, depending on the event format.

Qualifying determines the race grid order - your position in qualifying decides where you start the race
Standard format: held on day two, 2-3 hours after FP3 (free practice 3)
Alternative format: held on day two, 3-4 hours after Sprint race
Timing varies based on whether the weekend includes a Sprint race or follows the traditional format

Official FIA Text

Qualifying determines Race starting grid. Standard Format: second day, 2-3 hours after FP3. Alternative Format: second day, 3-4 hours after Sprint.

qualifyinggrid positionstarting gridqualifying sessionf1 qualifying

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B2.4.2

FIA Source

Race Qualifying Format

Chapter: B2

In Simple Terms

In Q1, drivers have 18 minutes to set their fastest lap. The 5 slowest cars are knocked out and won't advance to Q2. Importantly, all lap times are erased when Q1 ends, so drivers must re-establish their fastest times in the next qualifying session.

Q1 session lasts exactly 18 minutes
Bottom 5 slowest drivers are eliminated from further qualifying
All lap times are deleted at the end of Q1 - no times carry forward
Remaining drivers start fresh in Q2 with a clean slate

Official FIA Text

Q1: 18 minutes, slowest 5 Cars eliminated. Lap times deleted.

q1 qualifying18 minuteseliminated driverslap times deletedf1 qualifying format

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B2.2.1

FIA Source

Sprint Qualifying Session

Chapter: B2

In Simple Terms

Sprint Qualifying is a short qualifying session that happens on Friday, about 2.5 to 3.5 hours after the first practice session ends. It determines the starting grid positions for the Sprint race that takes place later that day.