How Does Formula 1 Qualifying Work?

In Formula 1, qualifying is a process that determines the starting order for the race. The drivers have a limited amount of time to complete as many laps as possible, with the fastest lap time determining their starting position.

Typically, qualifying is held over three sessions, known as Q1, Q2, and Q3. In Q1, all the drivers have a chance to set a lap time, with the slowest drivers being eliminated. In Q2, the remaining drivers have another chance to set a lap time, with the slowest drivers being eliminated again. Finally, in Q3, the remaining drivers compete for pole position, with the fastest driver earning the top starting spot on the grid.

Results: Get the latest F1 Qualifying Results now

Formula 1 Sprint Qualifying

Sprint qualifying is a new format that was introduced to some Formula 1 races in the 2021 season.

In sprint qualifying, the drivers have a shorter amount of time to complete their laps, and the starting grid for the sprint race is determined by the results of the sprint qualifying session.

In 2023 there will be six Sprint Qualifying events:

FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2023 (Baku City Circuit) 28–30 April
FORMULA 1 GROSSER PREIS VON ÖSTERREICH 2023 (Red Bull Ring) 30 June–2 July
FORMULA 1 BELGIAN GRAND PRIX 2023 (Spa-Francorchamps) 28–30 July
FORMULA 1 QATAR GRAND PRIX 2023 (Lusail International Circuit) 06 – 08 October
FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2023 (Circuit of the Americas) 20–22 October
FORMULA 1 GRANDE PRÊMIO DE SÃO PAULO 2023 (AutÓdromo José Carlos Pace) 3–5 November

Our complete guide to the 2023 F1 Sprint regulations will get you up to speed on this exciting new format.

How Does Formula 1 Sprint Qualifying Work?

The format for Formula 1 Sprint Qualifying is different to the usual Q1/Q2/Q3 approach.

• Sprint qualifying takes place on the Friday of race weekend, instead of the usual Saturday qualifying session.
• The session lasts for 100 minutes, instead of the usual 120 minutes.
• The drivers have three sets of tires to use during the session, instead of the usual four sets.
• The starting grid for the race is determined by the results of the sprint qualifying session, with the fastest driver on pole and the rest of the grid determined by the lap times set in the session.
• The results of the sprint qualifying session also determine the starting order for the sprint race, which takes place on Saturday.
• The sprint race is a shorter race than the usual Formula 1 race, with a distance of around 100 kilometers.
• One tweak for the 2023 F1 season is the results of the sprint race no longer determine the starting order for the main race on Sunday, as this is now done via a traditional qualifying session on Friday.

How To Watch Formula 1 Qualifying

If you want to watch Formula 1 qualifying, there are several ways to do so. Depending on where you live, you may be able to watch qualifying on television or through a streaming service.

In many countries, Formula 1 races and qualifying sessions are broadcast on television by sports networks or dedicated Formula 1 channels. You can check your local listings or contact your television provider to find out if and when qualifying will be broadcast in your area.

In addition, many Formula 1 races and qualifying sessions are also streamed live online. You can often watch these streams on the official Formula 1 website or through a streaming service such as F1 TV or ESPN+. Some of these streams may require a subscription or a one-time payment to access, so it’s worth checking the details before you try to watch.

You can also find live timing and scoring data for qualifying sessions on the official Formula 1 website, which can give you real-time updates on the progress of the session and the fastest lap times. This can be a great way to follow along with the action if you can’t watch the qualifying live.

How Many Laps In Formula 1 Qualifying?

The number of laps that each driver completes during Formula 1 qualifying varies depending on several factors, such as the length of the track, the amount of time available for the session, and the strategy of the team and the driver.

In general, drivers will try to complete as many laps as possible during qualifying, in order to give themselves the best chance of setting a fast lap time and earning a good starting position for the race. However, they must also consider factors such as tire wear and fuel consumption, as they will need to conserve tires and fuel for the race itself.

As a result, the number of laps that each driver completes during qualifying can vary widely. Some drivers may only complete a handful of laps, while others may complete more than a dozen laps. It ultimately depends on the specific conditions of the track and the strategies of the teams and drivers.

How Was Formula 1 Qualifying In 1970?

The rules and format for Formula 1 qualifying have changed many times over the years, so the specifics of how qualifying was held in 1970 may be different from how it is held today. However, I can tell you a little bit about how qualifying worked in the past, and how it has evolved over time.

In the early years of Formula 1, qualifying was a much simpler and less structured process. Drivers would simply have a certain amount of time to set their fastest lap time, and the starting order for the race would be determined by those times. There was no set format for qualifying, and the rules could vary from race to race.

As the sport grew and became more competitive, the rules for qualifying were standardized and refined. The current format, with three qualifying sessions (Q1, Q2, and Q3), was introduced in 2006. This format has been used ever since, with some minor modifications and changes over the years.

Qualifying in 1970 was likely a much simpler and less structured process than it is today.

How Does Formula 1 Qualifying Work? – FAQs