Qualifying is a one-hour knockout. Drivers run against the clock rather than against each other, and the slowest are cut at the end of each part until ten remain to fight for pole position.
| Part | Length | Cars | Knocked out | Grid places set |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 18 min | 22 | Slowest 6 | 17th - 22nd |
| Q2 | 15 min | 16 | Slowest 6 | 11th - 16th |
| Q3 | 13 min | 10 | None | Pole - 10th |
Times are wiped between parts. Going fastest in Q1 does not help you in Q2; everyone starts each part with a clean sheet. There is a seven-minute break between parts.
Why it is tense
- Track evolution. Rubber builds up and the track gets faster, so the last laps of each part are usually the quickest. Leave it too late and a red flag or yellow can wipe out your only chance.
- Traffic. A slow car in the wrong corner ruins a lap. Teams fight over where on the road to release their drivers.
- The 107% rule. A driver whose best Q1 time is more than 7% slower than the fastest may not be allowed to start the race, though the stewards usually permit it if the driver has shown pace in practice.
Qualifying is not always the grid
The qualifying result and the starting grid can differ. Grid penalties - for fitting too many engine parts, or for an offence at a previous race - are applied afterwards, and everyone behind moves up.