How does F1 qualifying work? An in-depth look at how it works

The Grand Prix weekend is one of the most exciting seasons for Formula 1 lovers. But before the adrenaline and revved-up engines, fans are eager to get the question ''how does F1 qualifying work?'' answered. The process has undergone some changes in the recent past, making the process more competitive. Keep scrolling to discover what happens before the main racing event.

Formula 1 qualifying is the process where drivers compete to set the shortest lap time to determine their race position on the grid. The 20 contestants must abide by the set qualifying rules, facing penalties if they do not. How does F1 qualifying work? Here is everything you should know.

How does F1 qualifying work?

Before the main race happens on Sunday of Grand Prix weekend, drivers go through prior competitions to determine their positions on the grid. In earlier years, drivers set their fastest lap time within a certain period to determine their grid position. In 2006, the process became more structured, dividing the F1 qualifying time into three sessions.

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How does F1 qualifying work in 2023?

Today's qualifying process is more structured and works with elimination. The process begins on Friday, and drivers participate in two practice sessions lasting 1-2 hours. The main qualifying happens on the second day.

How does F1 practice and qualifying work?

The practice sessions are known as Free Practice (FP) and are crucial because racers get to check the condition of their cars before the race. The first practice (FP1) helps them understand the track and implement any required mechanical or set-up changes.

During FP2, the drivers do longer trial races on the track and qualifying simulation runs. The last practice session focuses on shorter runs in preparation for the qualifiers. One of the F1 requirements is that for two practice sessions in a season, teams must field a driver who has not completed more than two Formula 1 races.

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How does Saturday qualifying work in F1?

After Friday's practice sessions, the 20 drivers and competing teams set a lap time and must complete their laps within that period. How does the F1 qualifying race work? The three qualifying sessions are as follows:

• Q1: The first session lasts 18 minutes, and all drivers can compete. The goal is to set a fast lap time to help them proceed to the next round. After this session, the last five drivers are eliminated, and their positions are determined per completion time.

• Q2: The remaining 15 drivers proceed to the second round, which lasts 15 minutes. Just like the first round, round two aims to set the fastest lap time to progress to the third round. The five slowest drivers are eliminated at the end of the session, and their positions are determined based on their completion time.
• Q3: The final session goes for 12 minutes and determines the positions of the first 10 contestants. How does the qualifying round work in F1? The driver with the fastest lap time takes the pole position, the first position on the grid, while the rest follow in descending order of their time. While individual racers aim to become pole sitters, F1 teams aspire to attain side-by-side qualifying spots in any race.

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Lewis Hamilton has the highest number of pole positions in 2023. The position, found on the inside of the front row, has been termed as the most favourable, earning the pole sitters first position in numerous Grand Prix races.

How many laps should racers complete in F1 qualifying?

The competing drivers decide how many laps they want to participate in at the qualifying stage. However, most do two on average to save up on fuel and maintain the set of tires they have for the entire competition.

How does F1 qualifying work in Azerbaijan?

The F1A (Formula 1 Association) recently adjusted the rules for the 2023 Grand Prix held in Azerbaijan. The first shortened race will have a qualifying session on Saturday known as the 'Sprint shootout.'' The race will also have three qualifying sessions, lasting 12, 10, and 8 minutes respectively. Additionally, participants will use new tyres in each session; medium compound tyres in the first two and soft tyres in the final run-out.

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How does F1 sprint qualifying work?

In 2021, the Formula 1 Association introduced sprint qualifying as a new method to determine the grid positions. This qualifying method does not follow the three-part process and is held on Friday, not Saturday. Moreover, contestants have less time to rank highly on the grid and do not have to make mandatory pit stops.

Sprint qualifying lasts 100 minutes, and drivers get three sets of tyres. The race results determine Sunday's grid positions, with the winner becoming the pole-sitter. The top eight racers will also score points compared to the top three in the previous qualifying system.

With these updated guidelines, the sprint qualifying weekend consists of one practice session, qualifying, sprint shootout, the sprint, and the main race on Sunday.

F1 qualifying rules

Racers are acquainted with the qualifying rules before the process commences. Failure to adhere to the set guidelines through behavioral misconduct or breaching technical rules can lead to a lowering of the grid position or suspension from a race.

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Netizens have been keen to discover, ''How does qualifying work at F1?''The rules and guidelines are constantly changing to accommodate more stakeholders and keep the thrill of the sport. It will also be interesting to see upcoming talent setting new records for the pole positions.

READ ALSO: How to become an F1 driver

Sports Brief published an article explaining the requirements and process of becoming a Formula 1 driver. Speed junkies like Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have inspired thousands globally, with many aspiring to join the profession. But what does it take to become a Formula 1 racer?

Firstly, any interested participant must be a current F1A International Grade A license holder with a valid driving license. In addition, you must be at least 18 years old during your first F1 competition. Check out the above article for the complete set of requirements and everything you need to become an F1 driver.