The FIA has confirmed a subtle change to the qualifying format for the 2026 season: Q3 will now be 13 minutes long instead of 12. This seemingly minor extra minute could influence the flow of Saturday's sessions, especially with the grid expanding to 22 cars.
FIA: A longer Q3… but a shorter preparation
With the entry of an 11th team and therefore two additional cars on the grid, the FIA adjusted the qualification structure in order to maintain a sporting balance.
From now on, six drivers will be eliminated in Q1 and Q2, while Q3 will retain its classic format with ten cars fighting for pole position.
This rebalancing aims primarily to streamline the sessions and better manage the density on the track during the elimination phases.
The main change is the length of Q3, which has been increased to 13 minutes. However, the interval between Q2 and Q3 has been slightly reduced, from eight to seven minutes.
In practical terms, teams will benefit from slightly more track time to complete a final flying lap, but will have a tighter margin for preparation in the garage before the decisive phase.
A potential impact on end-of-session strategies according to the FIA..
In recent seasons, several drivers have failed to cross the finish line in time to launch a final attempt, often due to very tight timing and late positioning strategies to take advantage of an optimal track.
With an additional 60 seconds, the FIA It seems they want to limit these frustrating situations without disrupting the overall balance of qualifying. However, the actual impact could remain limited, as tire management, the out lap, and thermal preparation still make it difficult to string together several fast laps in Q3.
First full-scale test starting in Melbourne
This new format will be tested for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix, the opening round of the 2026 season. This event will allow us to assess whether this extra minute actually improves the spectacle or if it only intensifies the already extreme tension of qualifying.
By slightly lengthening Q3 while adjusting the elimination structure, the FIA The focus is on measured evolution rather than revolution. A discreet but potentially strategic technical adjustment, in the context of an expanded grid where every second can count in the fight for pole position.
