Article B2.2.3

Sprint Qualifying Classification

Sporting Regulations

Article B2.2.3

FIA Source

Sprint Qualifying Classification

Chapter: B2

In Simple Terms

The Sprint Qualifying grid is set by ranking the 20 drivers based on their performance across three qualifying sessions. The top 10 fastest drivers from SQ3 fill positions 1-10, then the 5 drivers eliminated in SQ2 take positions 11-15, and the 5 drivers eliminated in SQ1 take positions 16-20. If a driver is too slow in SQ1 (more than 7% slower than the fastest time) or doesn't complete a lap, they don't qualify.

  • Top 10 positions determined by fastest times in SQ3 (Sprint Qualifying Session 3)
  • Positions 11-15 filled by the 5 drivers eliminated in SQ2, ranked by their best SQ2 times
  • Positions 16-20 filled by the 5 drivers eliminated in SQ1, ranked by their best SQ1 times
  • Drivers exceeding the 107% time rule or failing to set a lap are unclassified and don't start Sprint Qualifying
Official FIA Text

Top 10 from SQ3 by fastest time. Next 5 from SQ2 eliminations. Next 5 from SQ1 eliminations. Ties go to who set time first. Unclassified if eliminated in SQ1 exceeding 107% fastest time or failed to set lap.

sprint qualifyingsq3sq2sq1grid classification
2026 Season Regulations