F1 Adapts Qualifying Format for 22-Car Grid in 2026
With Cadillac joining in 2026, F1's grid expands to 22 cars. The qualifying format will see a minor tweak, with six drivers eliminated in Q1 and Q2 instead of five to keep the top-10 fight for pole in Q3.
Formula 1 is set to welcome a 22-car grid in 2026 with Cadillac's arrival, prompting a small but crucial adjustment to the qualifying format. While the familiar three-part knockout structure of Q1, Q2, and Q3 remains, the elimination rules will be tweaked to accommodate the larger field, ensuring the fight for pole position remains a 10-car showdown.
Why it matters:
The expansion of the grid is a sign of F1's growing popularity and commercial success, but it presents logistical challenges. Adjusting the qualifying format is essential to manage a larger field safely and fairly. The change ensures that the final, most dramatic segment of qualifying (Q3) remains an exclusive battle for the top ten grid spots, preserving the high-stakes drama fans expect.
The details:
The core qualifying format remains the same, but the number of drivers eliminated in the first two segments will increase from five to six.
- Q1 (18 minutes): With 22 cars on track, the six slowest drivers will be eliminated at the end of the session, setting grid positions 17 through 22. The remaining 16 drivers advance to Q2.
- Q2 (15 minutes): The format repeats, with another six slowest drivers eliminated. These drivers will fill grid positions 11 through 16, leaving the final ten to progress.
- Q3 (12 minutes): The top ten drivers will battle it out for pole position and the top ten grid spots, just as they do under the current format.
- Lap Time Deletion: As is the case now, lap times set by the eliminated drivers will be deleted at the end of Q1 and Q2, meaning competitors must set a competitive time in each segment to avoid elimination.
- Sprint Qualifying: A similar adjustment will be made to the shorter Sprint qualifying format, with six drivers eliminated in SQ1 and SQ2 to set up a 10-car fight for the Sprint grid.
Looking Ahead:
While the adjustment is minor, it will have strategic implications. With more cars on track, the risk of traffic and yellow flags in Q1 and Q2 increases, potentially making the early sessions even more chaotic. Teams and drivers will need to be precise with their run plans to avoid getting caught out. Ultimately, the format change is a practical solution that preserves the essence of F1 qualifying while accommodating the sport's expansion.