How does F1 qualifying work?

Qualifying decides the starting order for the Grand Prix. On a normal weekend, every driver gets one flying lap at a time across three knockout sessions — Q1, Q2 and Q3 — with the slowest cars dropping out after each segment until ten drivers fight for pole position.

8 min read · Updated for 2026 regulations

Why qualifying matters

Grid position strongly influences race results. Overtaking is difficult on many modern circuits, so teams treat qualifying as a championship session in its own right. Pole position also earns a point toward the FIA pole trophy in some seasons and is a major marketing moment for teams and broadcasters.

The FIA sporting regulations define the exact format. GP Race Day reflects published session times on each race hub; always confirm the timetable for the current Grand Prix because sprint weekends reshuffle the order.

Q1, Q2 and Q3 explained

All 20 drivers participate in Q1, usually lasting 18 minutes. The five slowest drivers are eliminated and take positions 16–20 on the grid. The remaining fifteen continue to Q2 (15 minutes), where another five are eliminated for positions 11–15.

The top ten advance to Q3 (12 minutes). Only these drivers may attempt a time that counts for the front of the grid. Positions 1–10 are set by their best lap in Q3, with ties broken by the order laps were set.

Q1: all drivers → grid slots 16–20 eliminated
Q2: 15 drivers → grid slots 11–15 eliminated
Q3: 10 drivers → pole and top ten
Each driver must start the lap on usable tyres (see tyre rules below)

Tyres and compound rules

In Q1, drivers may use any compound. For Q2, anyone reaching the session must start on the same compound they used to set their fastest Q2 lap — typically a soft tyre for maximum grip.

Q3 is almost always run on the softest available compound. Teams often do two runs: an early banker lap and a final attempt on fresh tyres. Track evolution — rubber laid down by cars — often makes the last minutes of Q3 the fastest.

The 107% rule

If a driver's best time in Q1 is more than 107% of the pole sitter's time in that session, they may not be allowed to start the race unless the stewards grant permission (for example after a verified technical issue in qualifying).

The rule exists to keep pace differential manageable on track. It is rarely invoked for full-time entrants but appears in news when a backmarker or a driver returning after repairs misses the cut.

How qualifying changes on sprint weekends

On sprint weekends the weekend is compressed. There is typically a single practice session on Friday, then sprint qualifying (sprint shootout) sets the grid for Saturday's sprint race.

Grand Prix qualifying moves to Saturday and still sets the Sunday race grid. Sprint qualifying uses a shorter knockout format but the same principle: slowest drivers drop out until the top ten fight for the front row of the sprint.

Read our sprint format guide for points and session times, and use the race timetable on GP Race Day for local session times.

Frequently asked questions

How long is each qualifying session?

On a standard weekend, Q1 is 18 minutes, Q2 is 15 minutes and Q3 is 12 minutes. Sprint shootout sessions are shorter; check the official timetable for the current season.

What happens if two drivers set the same time?

The driver who set the lap first keeps the higher position. This is why teams sometimes wait for track evolution before their final attempt.

Can a driver be penalised after qualifying?

Yes. Grid penalties for power unit or gearbox changes, track limits violations in qualifying, or other infringements are applied when the starting grid is published — often Sunday morning.