How is the starting grid decided in F1?
The 2026 qualifying in three rounds: with 22 cars, Q1 eliminates 6, Q2 another 6 and 10 fight for pole. And what changes between the grid and the first lap.
Summary
- 22 cars go out to qualify, but only 10 fight for pole in Q3.
- Q1 (18 minutes) eliminates the 6 slowest, who start from 17th to 22nd; Q2 (15 minutes) eliminates another 6, from 11th to 16th.
- The 10 in Q3 fight for places 1 to 10: the fastest takes pole and starts first.
- 1
22 cars, 3 rounds
With Cadillac joining in 2026 there are 22 cars on track. Qualifying is split into three rounds (Q1, Q2 and Q3) and drivers are eliminated in the first two.
- 2
Q1: the 6 slowest go out
Q1 lasts 18 minutes. The 6 slowest drivers are eliminated and start from 17th to 22nd. The other 16 go through to Q2.
- 3
Q2: times reset
Q2 lasts 15 minutes and times start from zero. Another 6 drivers go out, taking places 11 to 16.
- 4
Q3: 10 cars, one pole
10 cars remain. The fastest takes pole, that is, starts first; the rest take 2nd to 10th.
From the grid to the first lap
The start of the latest race with data: who gained and who lost the most positions between their grid slot and their position at the end of lap 1.
Did you get it?
Glossary
- Starting grid
- The race starting order, which comes from qualifying: the fastest starts first.
- Q1, Q2 and Q3
- The three rounds of qualifying. In 2026, with 22 cars, Q1 eliminates the 6 slowest, Q2 another 6 and the remaining 10 fight for pole in Q3.
- Pole
- First place on the grid: the fastest driver in qualifying starts first.
Sources
- In 2026 there are 22 cars: Q1, of 18 minutes, eliminates the 6 slowest (places 17 to 22) and 16 go through to Q2. The Race · How will F1 qualifying work in 2026?
- Q2, of 15 minutes, resets the times and eliminates another 6 (places 11 to 16); the best 10 fight for pole in Q3. The Race · How will F1 qualifying work in 2026?
- The exact length of Q3 is not quoted here because sources disagree (12 or 13 minutes): for the exact figure, check the FIA sporting regulations. The Race · How will F1 qualifying work in 2026?
Sources checked on 18 October 2026. Valid for: 2026 regulations. The explanations are popular-level: for the exact rules, check the FIA sporting regulations.
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