---
description: "F1 qualifying explained: the three-stage knockout format that sets the grid, tyre rules, sprint qualifying, and the all-time pole records."
title: "F1 qualifying explained: Q1, Q2, Q3 and pole position rules"
image: https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SI202210300004_news-330x220.jpg
---

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# Qualifying

![Red Bull and Mercedes Escalate Russell-Verstappen Qatar Fallout](https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SI202210300004_news-330x220.jpg)

Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen and second placed qualifier George Russell talk in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the 2022 F1 Grand Prix of Mexico

**Qualifying is the Formula 1 session on Saturday that decides the starting grid for Sunday's Grand Prix.** Every driver in the field runs a three-stage knockout format, and pole position goes to whoever is fastest at the end. Modern qualifying laps sit inside a two- or three-hundredths window across the top four cars, which turns every session into one of the most concentrated performances in sport.

## What is qualifying in F1?

Qualifying is the session on Saturday afternoon that sets the Grand Prix starting grid. It runs in three parts: Q1, Q2 and Q3. In each part the slowest drivers are eliminated. The final ten shoot out for pole position and grid slots one to ten.

## Q1, Q2 and Q3

- **Q1:** lasts 18 minutes, all 20 cars run, the slowest five are eliminated and take grid slots 16 to 20;
- **Q2:** lasts 15 minutes, 15 cars run, the slowest five are eliminated and take grid slots 11 to 15;
- **Q3:** lasts 12 minutes, 10 cars run, order is set by fastest lap, top slot is pole position.

## Tyre rules in qualifying

Under the current regulations, each driver has a fixed compound allocation across the weekend. During Q1 and Q2 they can choose any dry compound. In Q3 they have historically used soft tyres for the quickest lap, but from 2024 onwards the Sprint format has added mandatory medium and hard use in the SQ1 and SQ2 sprint qualifying sessions to reduce the compound arms race.

## Cross-over conditions

Wet-or-drying qualifying sessions are among the most dramatic in the sport. The cross-over point between full wets, intermediates and slicks can move within seconds, and drivers who guess correctly can leap up the grid. The 2016 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying, where [Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-drivers/daniel-ricciardo/) took pole in mixed conditions, remains a textbook example.

## Sprint qualifying

At Sprint weekends the traditional Saturday qualifying is joined by a separate **Sprint Qualifying (SQ)** on Friday, which sets the grid for Saturday's Sprint race. The Grand Prix qualifying still runs on Saturday afternoon and sets the Sunday grid. Both sessions use the same knockout structure, but with tighter time windows and a mandatory compound choice.

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## Frequently asked questions about F1 qualifying

### What is qualifying in F1?

Qualifying is the session that sets the Grand Prix starting grid. It runs in three knockout parts, and pole position goes to the fastest driver in Q3.

### How does the three-stage format work?

Q1 runs for 18 minutes with all 20 cars. Q2 runs for 15 minutes with 15 cars. Q3 runs for 12 minutes with the fastest 10 cars battling for pole.

### When is F1 qualifying held?

On Saturday afternoon of a Grand Prix weekend. At Sprint events a separate Sprint Qualifying is held on Friday and the traditional session still runs on Saturday.

### Who has the most pole positions in qualifying history?

Lewis Hamilton, with 104 pole positions and counting. [Michael Schumacher](https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-drivers/michael-schumacher/) is second on 68 and Ayrton Senna third on 65.

### Can drivers choose their tyres in qualifying?

Yes, within the allocated compounds. In Q1 and Q2 they can pick any dry compound. Sprint Qualifying imposes mandatory medium and hard tyre use in SQ1 and SQ2.

Last updated: 13 Jul 2026, 15:18

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{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is qualifying in F1?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Qualifying is the session that sets the Grand Prix starting grid. It runs in three knockout parts, and pole position goes to the fastest driver in Q3."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How does the three-stage format work?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Q1 runs for 18 minutes with 20 cars. Q2 runs for 15 minutes with 15 cars. Q3 runs for 12 minutes with the fastest 10 cars battling for pole."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When is F1 qualifying held?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"On Saturday afternoon. At Sprint events a separate Sprint Qualifying is held on Friday and the traditional session still runs on Saturday."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Who has the most pole positions in qualifying history?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Lewis Hamilton, with 104 pole positions and counting. Michael Schumacher is second on 68 and Ayrton Senna third on 65."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can drivers choose their tyres in qualifying?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, within the allocated compounds. In Q1 and Q2 they can pick any dry compound. Sprint Qualifying imposes medium and hard tyre use in SQ1 and SQ2."}}]}
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