The International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Formula 1 have confirmed that the category’s qualifying sessions will undergo changes in 2026. A qualifying format similar to that of the 2016 season will be adopted.
The adjustments were designed to adapt to the larger grid that will come with the arrival of a new team, Cadillac, and to make the fight for pole position even more competitive. In 2026, the grid will jump from 20 to 22 cars.
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What will the new classification format be like in 2026?
Currently, the classification follows a well-known three-part structure. All 20 drivers take part in the first session, known as Q1. At the end of this session, the five slowest drivers are eliminated, leaving 15 to advance to Q2.
The same process is repeated in Q2, with five more drivers dropping out. This leaves the top ten classified for Q3, where they fight to set the fastest time and secure pole position for the race.
Starting next season, this structure will be slightly changed. Instead of five drivers being eliminated in Q1 and Q2, there will now be six drivers eliminated at the end of each of these sessions. The result is that ten drivers will still compete for pole position in Q3, but it will be more difficult to pass the first stages, as there will be more competition for fewer places.
The last opportunity in which the format was used in Formula 1 was at the 2016 Abu Dhabi GP. That year, the category also had 22 cars competing for the championship.
The information was confirmed by the FIA after an update to article B2.4.3 of the category’s sporting regulations for next year.
According to the FIA, several different qualifying formats were considered before deciding on this one. One idea was to eliminate seven drivers after Q1 and keep the rest of the structure unchanged. However, organizers decided that splitting the qualifiers equally between Q1 and Q2 would be fairer and help maintain balance between the three sessions.
Cadillac’s arrival will also bring other adjustments to the sport beyond classification. The prize money structure will need to be revised to accommodate the additional team, and paddock space will have to be rearranged to make room for Cadillac facilities.
2025 Drivers’ World Classification
| Pos. | Pilot | Team | Points | Difference for leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | O. Plates (AUS) | McLaren | 336 | — |
| 2 | L. Norris (GBR) | McLaren | 314 | -22 |
| 3 | M. Verstappen (NED) | Red Bull Racing | 273 | -63 |
| 4 | G. Russell (GBR) | Mercedes | 237 | -99 |
| 5 | C. Leclerc (MON) | Ferrari | 173 | -163 |
| 6 | L. Hamilton (GBR) | Ferrari | 127 | -209 |
| 7 | A. Antonelli (ITA) | Mercedes | 88 | -248 |
| 8 | A. Albon (Yes) | Williams | 70 | -266 |
| 9 | I. Hadjar (from) | RB | 39 | -297 |
| 10 | N. Hulkenberg (GER) | Sauber | 37 | -299 |
| 11 | F. Alonso (ESP) | Aston Martin Racing | 34 | -302 |
| 12 | C. Sainz Jr. (ESP) | Williams | 32 | -304 |
| 13 | L. Stroll (CAN) | Aston Martin Racing | 32 | -304 |
| 14 | L. Lawon (NZL) | RB | 30 | -306 |
| 15 | E. Ocon (FRA) | Haas F1 Team | 28 | -308 |
| 16 | P. Gasly (FRA) | Alpine | 20 | -316 |
| 17 | Y. Tsunoda (JPN) | Red Bull Racing | 20 | -316 |
| 18 | G. Bortoleto (BRA) | Sauber | 18 | -318 |
| 19 | O. Bearman (GBR) | Haas F1 Team | 18 | -318 |
| 20 | F. Colapinto (ARG) | Alpine | 0 | -336 |
| 21 | J. Doohan (AUS) | Alpine | 0 | -336 |
Complete F1 2025 calendar
March 16 – Australian GPMarch 23 – Chinese GP (with sprint race)April 6th – Japanese GPApril 13 – Bahrain GPApril 20 – Saudi Arabia GPMay 4th – Miami GP (with sprint race)May 18 – Imola GPMay 25 – Monaco GPJune 1st – Spanish GPJune 15 – Canadian GPJune 29th – Austrian GPJuly 6th – British GPJuly 27th – Belgian GP (with sprint race)August 3rd – Hungarian GPAugust 31 – Dutch GPSeptember 7th – Italian GPSeptember 21 – Azerbaijan GPOctober 5th – Singapore GP- October 19th – US GP (with sprint race)
- October 26th – Mexican GP
- November 9th – Brazilian GP (with sprint race)
- November 22 – Las Vegas GP
- November 30th – Qatar GP (with sprint race)
- December 7th – Abu Dhabi GP
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