Race Qualifying Format

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