Leclerc suggests that Mercedes might not have shown their full potential in qualifying

Despite an absolutely dominant display from Mercedes, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has suggested that the Brackley-based outfit might have hidden their full potential in the first qualifying session of the 2026 F1 season.

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sporting Regulations

Art. B2.4.1

Art. B3.5.1

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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 B3.5.1

FIA Source

Pre-Sprint & Pre-Race Parc Fermé Entry

Chapter: ARTICLE B3: PROCEDURES DURING A COMPETITION

In Simple Terms

Once a car leaves the pit lane for the first time during Sprint Qualifying or Qualifying, it enters 'parc fermé' – a locked-down state where teams cannot make changes to the car. The car must stay locked down until the race or sprint actually starts. This ensures fair competition by preventing last-minute adjustments.

Cars are locked in parc fermé from first pit lane exit during Sprint Qualifying until the Sprint starts
Cars are locked in parc fermé from pit lane exit during Qualifying until the Race starts
No mechanical changes or adjustments are permitted once a car enters parc fermé
This rule applies to ensure competitive fairness and prevent teams from gaining unfair advantages

Official FIA Text

Each Car will be deemed in parc fermé from time it leaves Pit Lane for first time during Sprint Qualifying until start of Sprint, and from time it leaves Pit Lane during Qualifying until start of Race.

parc fermepit lanesprint qualifyingqualifyingcar setup

2026 Season Regulations