Formula 1 uses two main qualifying formats: a standard three-part session (Q1, Q2, Q3) to set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix, and a separate system for Sprint weekends. The goal is simple: go as fast as possible when it matters most.
How does standard qualifying work?
Standard qualifying is split into **three timed sessions** on Saturday:
- Q1 (18 minutes) – All 20 drivers take part. The slowest 5 are eliminated.
- Q2 (15 minutes) – 15 remaining drivers. Another 5 are knocked out.
- Q3 (12 minutes) – The top 10 battle for pole position.
Each session resets lap times. Only the fastest lap from each segment counts.
What’s the point of Q1, Q2, and Q3?
To progressively narrow the field and add pressure. Drivers must avoid elimination in each round to reach Q3 and fight for the front row.
Is there a tyre rule for qualifying?
No special tyre rules anymore — drivers can use **any compound** they want in qualifying. The old “must start on Q2 tyres” rule is gone.
What changes on Sprint weekends?
Sprint weekends have a different structure:
- Friday: 1 practice + normal qualifying (for the *Grand Prix grid*)
- Saturday: “Sprint Qualifying” → sets the grid for the Sprint race
- Sunday: Grand Prix as usual
What is Sprint Qualifying?
Sprint Qualifying (also called **Sprint Shootout**) is a **shorter version of Q1–Q3**:
- SQ1 (12 minutes) – All drivers, Medium tyres only
- SQ2 (10 minutes) – Top 15, Medium tyres
- SQ3 (8 minutes) – Top 10, Soft tyres only
Why are Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying separate?
So that the Sprint race doesn’t affect Sunday’s grid. It’s two races, two stakes, two setups.
What if it rains during qualifying?
The session continues with **intermediate or wet tyres**, and the knockout format still applies. Timing becomes critical.
Can drivers make changes after qualifying?
Not really. After qualifying, **parc fermé** rules apply — setups are locked in, unless special permission is given.
