FIA roll out noteworthy tweak to qualifying format ahead of 2026 season

The format has already been tweaked towards the end of last year, increasing the number of drivers eliminated between Q1 and Q2 from five to six following Cadillac’s entry onto the grid.

Now, with 22 cars lining up, the FIA has moved to further accommodate the expanded field by adding an extra minute to Q3, ensuring there is sufficient time for everyone to complete their respective runs.

The overall length of the qualifying session, however, will remain unchanged. The additional minute in Q3 will be offset by trimming one minute from the break between Q2 and Q3.

Alongside the qualifying format change, the FIA has also officially brought an end to the ongoing debate surrounding Mercedes’ engine compression ratio.

From 1 June onwards, power units will be checked not only at ambient temperature but also at 130°C — the point at which Mercedes’ engine was believed to see its compression ratio rise from 16:1 to 18:1.