FIA Approves Updated Qualifying Format Ahead of Major 2026 Formula 1 Reset
Formula 1’s sweeping transformation for the 2026 season has taken another decisive step forward, with the FIA officially confirming a revised qualifying format to reflect the sport’s expanding grid. The change comes in response to the arrival of two major manufacturers — Cadillac and Audi — which will increase the number of teams and drivers competing in the championship.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most significant turning points in Formula 1’s modern history. Alongside the introduction of brand-new power unit regulations, teams will also adapt to heavily revised chassis rules and updated aerodynamic philosophies. However, the technical overhaul is only part of the story, as the competitive structure of the grid itself is set to change for the first time in over a decade.
Audi will formally enter the championship by completing its takeover of the Sauber operation, competing under the Audi Revolut F1 banner. At the same time, Cadillac will debut as a full works team, restoring Formula 1 to an 11-team grid for the first time since 2016. As a result, the total number of drivers will increase from 20 to 22, prompting the FIA to re-evaluate how qualifying sessions are structured.
Since 2006, Formula 1 has relied on a three-stage knockout qualifying format. Under the current system, Q1 eliminates the slowest five drivers, followed by another five exiting in Q2, before the fastest 10 compete in Q3 for pole position. While this format has become a defining feature of modern F1 weekends, it was no longer compatible with a larger grid.
To address the issue, the FIA has confirmed that qualifying will retain its familiar three-session structure, but with an increased number of eliminations in the opening rounds. From the 2026 season onward, six drivers will be eliminated in Q1 and a further six in Q2. This adjustment ensures that Q3 will continue to feature the top 10 drivers, preserving the intensity and spectacle of the final pole-position shootout.
The updated format has now been formally incorporated into the FIA Sporting Regulations, making it an official part of the new era. The change aligns with several other procedural refinements introduced by the governing body in recent months, including clarifications around red flag interruptions during qualifying sessions. Together, these updates highlight the FIA’s broader effort to fine-tune race weekend operations ahead of the regulation reset.
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 has attracted particular attention, not only due to its status as an American manufacturer but also because of its anticipated driver lineup. The team is widely expected to field experienced race winners Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas in its inaugural campaign, expanding the grid to 22 drivers. Their inclusion played a significant role in the FIA’s decision to modify elimination numbers rather than introduce additional qualifying sessions or extend existing ones.
Despite the changes, the overall flow and timing of qualifying weekends will remain largely unchanged. Q1 will continue to run for 18 minutes, after which the six slowest drivers will be eliminated. A standard seven-minute break will follow before Q2 begins, lasting 15 minutes and removing another six drivers from contention.
The remaining 10 drivers will then advance to Q3, which will remain a 12-minute session to decide pole position and the top grid slots, just as it does under the current format. The FIA believes this approach maintains continuity for teams, broadcasters, and fans while fairly accommodating the expanded field.
Crucially, the governing body has stressed that the revised qualifying structure is a targeted and practical solution, rather than a fundamental reworking of the system. By preserving the rhythm, drama, and competitive balance of qualifying, the FIA aims to ensure that the spectacle of Formula 1 remains intact despite the larger grid.
As the championship prepares for one of the most ambitious overhauls in its history, the qualifying format update underlines a broader reality: Formula 1’s evolution extends beyond cars and engines. With new manufacturers, additional teams, and a fresh generation of competitors, even long-standing traditions must adapt to keep the sport competitive, fair, and compelling in a new era.
