F1 Adjusts 2026 Qualifying Format for Expanded 22-Car Grid

With the Formula 1 grid set to expand to 22 cars in 2026, the sport is implementing a targeted adjustment to its qualifying format. While the three-session knockout structure remains intact, the number of drivers eliminated in the first two segments will increase to six, ensuring the final top-ten shootout for pole position is preserved. The points system, however, will remain unchanged, continuing to reward only the top ten finishers.

Why it matters:

This is a necessary procedural tweak to accommodate the largest grid since 2016 without fundamentally altering a format that fans and teams are familiar with. The change directly increases the pressure on teams fighting to make it into the top ten, making every lap in Q1 and Q2 more critical. By keeping the points system exclusive to the top ten, F1 maintains the value and prestige of a points-scoring finish despite the larger field of competitors.

The details:

• Grid Expansion: The grid will grow from 20 to 22 cars with the addition of an 11th team, marking the first time the sport has seen this many cars since the Manor Racing team competed in 2016.
• New Elimination Numbers: Six drivers will now be knocked out in the 18-minute Q1 session, up from the current five. Another six drivers will be eliminated in the 15-minute Q2 session, also an increase of one.
• Unchanged Format: The final 12-minute Q3 session will continue to feature the ten fastest drivers battling for pole position, keeping the most dramatic part of qualifying the same.
• Points System Unaffected: The championship points structure will not be altered. The winner will still receive 25 points, with points awarded down to 10th place, meaning the two additional cars will not be eligible for points.

What's next:

Teams will now integrate this new elimination dynamic into their strategic planning for the 2026 season. For midfield and backmarker outfits, the battle to escape the early knockout rounds becomes even more intense. While this qualifying change is significant for format, the sport's focus remains on the sweeping new technical regulations for 2026, including new power units and chassis, which are expected to have a much larger impact on the competitive order.