How does F1 qualifying work?
B · Beginner · The Formula 1 weekend · 2 of 6Qualifying has three parts: Q1 of 18 minutes, Q2 of 15 and Q3 of 13, with seven-minute breaks. With 22 cars the slowest six drop out after Q1 and again after Q2, and the top ten fight for pole in Q3. A driver slower than 107% of the fastest Q1 lap needs the stewards' leave to race.
How it works
- Practice: three one-hour sessions.
- Q1: 18 minutes.
- Q2: 15 minutes.
- Q3: 13 minutes.
- Out after Q1 and Q2: six each, with 22 cars.
- Pole: fastest in Q3.
- 107% rule: stewards decide.
- Order: fastest lap counts.
The glossary has the free practice, the qualifying, the pole position, the 107% rule, the grid and the out lap.
Tricky cases
Does the 107% rule apply in the wet?
No, if the track is declared wet.
Does pole always mean first on the grid?
Not if a penalty moves the driver back.
A lap under double yellow flags in qualifying. Counts?
No. It is deleted.
Can a reserve driver run in practice?
Yes, in the first two sessions, with a practice licence.
Why the rule exists
Knockouts keep every part of qualifying meaningful for television.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Q3 | Top ten | L B2.4 |
| 107% | Stewards | L B2.4.3b |
| Yellow flags | Lap deleted | L B1.8.4 |
From the rule book
FIA, 2026 Formula 1 Regulations, Section B: Sporting (issue 7, 25 June 2026), articles B1.8.4, B2.1, B2.4 and B6.6.4. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: FIA 2026 F1 Regulations, Sections A and B.