How Does Formula 1 Qualifying Work?

Formula 1 Qualifying
Formula 1 Qualifying

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

What is Formula 1 qualifying?

Formula 1 qualifying is the process by which drivers compete to set the fastest lap time around a circuit during a specific time period. The results of qualifying determine the starting order for the race, with the driver who sets the fastest lap time starting in pole position.

How long does F1 qualifying last?

F1 Qualifying is split into three parts: Q1, Q2, and Q3. Each session lasts for a set amount of time, with Q1 lasting 18 minutes, Q2 lasting 15 minutes, and Q3 lasting 12 minutes.

How many qualifying sessions are there in F1?

Formula 1 qualifying is split into three parts, known as Q1, Q2, and Q3, in which drivers compete to set the fastest lap time around a circuit during a specific time period. Each phase is a knockout system, with the slowest five drivers being eliminated in Q1 and Q2, with the remaining 10 drivers making it into Q3. The Saturday qualifying session lasts for a set amount of time, with Q1 lasting 18 minutes, Q2 lasting 15 minutes, and Q3 lasting 12 minutes.

How do F1 drivers qualify?

During qualifying, each driver has a set number of laps to set their fastest time. The driver who sets the fastest time during Q1 progresses to Q2, while the slowest drivers are eliminated. The same process applies for Q2, with the fastest drivers progressing to Q3 and the slowest being eliminated. In Q3, each driver has one final chance to set their fastest lap time.

How is the F1 starting grid determined?

The starting grid for the race is determined by the fastest lap times set during Q3, with the driver who sets the fastest time starting in pole position. The remaining drivers are arranged in descending order based on their lap times.

What happens if a F1 driver fails to set a time during qualifying?

If a driver fails to set a time during qualifying, they will not be allowed to start the race. However, in some circumstances, such as if the driver is unable to set a time due to a mechanical issue, they may be allowed to start from the back of the grid.

Are there any penalties in F1 qualifying?

If a driver violates the rules during qualifying, they may be given a penalty. This could include having their lap time invalidated, being excluded from the session, or being given a grid penalty for the race.

More in News

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 27: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed qualifier Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team talk in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 27, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305270377 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Snatches Dramatic Monaco Pole

Max Verstappen has snatched a last-gasp pole position at the ...
2023 Monaco Grand Prix, Friday - Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton Desperate For Strong Monaco Result

Toto Wolff has insisted he would dread the seven-time world ...
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 26: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202305261052 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Fights Back, Fastest In Monaco FP2

Max Verstappen set the pace in the second free practice ...
Ferrari's Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Ferrari’s Flying In Monaco Free Practice

Friday at the Monaco Grand Prix saw Scuderia Ferrari drivers ...
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Amr23

Fernando Alonso Off To A Fast Start In Monaco

Fernando Alonso got off to a fast start in Monaco, ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle