FIA Confirms Updated Qualifying Format Ahead of Major 2026 F1 Overhaul
Formula 1’s sweeping reset for the 2026 season has taken another decisive step forward, with the FIA officially confirming a revised qualifying format designed to accommodate an expanded grid. The change comes as the championship prepares to welcome two additional cars following Cadillac’s arrival as a new constructor and Audi’s full takeover of the Sauber team.
The 2026 campaign is widely regarded as one of the most transformative moments in Formula 1’s modern history. Alongside revolutionary power unit regulations, teams will also face extensive changes to chassis design, aerodynamics, and energy deployment. Beyond the technical evolution, the competitive landscape itself will shift significantly, as the grid expands to 11 teams for the first time in over a decade.
Audi will formally enter the championship under the Audi Revolut F1 banner, replacing Sauber, while Cadillac will debut as a factory-backed American team. Their inclusion raises the total number of drivers from 20 to 22, prompting the FIA to re-evaluate how qualifying sessions operate under the long-established format.
Since 2006, Formula 1 qualifying has followed a three-stage knockout system consisting of Q1, Q2, and Q3. Under the current structure, five drivers are eliminated at the end of Q1, another five are removed after Q2, and the fastest 10 drivers progress to Q3 to contest pole position. However, with two additional entries joining the field in 2026, that system required adjustment to remain practical and competitive.
The FIA has now confirmed that qualifying will retain its familiar three-session structure but with increased eliminations in the opening phases. From 2026 onward, six drivers will be eliminated at the end of Q1, followed by another six at the conclusion of Q2. This ensures that Q3 will continue to feature the top 10 drivers, preserving the high-intensity shootout that has become a cornerstone of modern Formula 1 weekends.
The updated format has been formally incorporated into the FIA Sporting Regulations, making it an official part of the sport’s operational framework ahead of the new era. The decision follows a series of regulatory clarifications from the governing body, including recent guidance on how red flag interruptions will be managed during qualifying sessions, highlighting a broader effort to refine race weekend procedures.
Cadillac’s entry has attracted significant attention, not only because it marks the arrival of another major American manufacturer, but also due to its anticipated driver lineup. Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas are expected to spearhead the team’s debut campaign, becoming the 21st and 22nd drivers on the grid. Their inclusion was a key factor in the FIA’s decision to adjust eliminations rather than introduce additional qualifying segments or extend session durations.
Importantly, while more drivers will now be knocked out earlier, the overall timing and flow of qualifying will remain unchanged. Q1 will continue to run for 18 minutes, after which the six slowest cars will be eliminated. A seven-minute break will separate Q1 and Q2, as is currently the case.
Q2 will last 15 minutes, with another six drivers dropping out at the end of the session. The remaining 10 competitors will then advance to Q3, which will remain a 12-minute battle for pole position, with grid positions determined in exactly the same way as in previous seasons.
The FIA has stressed that the revised qualifying format is a targeted and proportionate solution aimed solely at accommodating the larger grid. According to the governing body, the changes preserve the balance, spectacle, and rhythm of qualifying while ensuring fairness in an expanded field.
As Formula 1 approaches one of the most ambitious transitions in its history, the qualifying update underscores how evolution extends beyond cars and engines. With new manufacturers, additional teams, and more drivers than ever before, even long-standing traditions must adapt—ensuring the sport remains competitive, compelling, and ready for a new generation of fans.
