For the 2016 Formula One season a new qualifying format with make its debut. It’s an elimination-style format broken into three sessions and this is an explanation of how it works:
Q1
- The first session of qualifying will last for 16 minutes, with all 22 drivers participating.
- After seven minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated.
- In 90-second intervals thereafter, the next slowest drivers are eliminated until the chequered flag falls to end the session.
- This then means that seven drivers are eliminated in the first session, with 15 drivers moving on to Q2.
Q2
- The second session will last for 15 minutes with the 15 fastest drivers from Q1.
- After six minutes, the slowest driver will be eliminated then in 90-second intervals thereafter, the next slowest drivers are eliminated until the chequered flag falls eliminating seven drivers.
- The top eight drivers will advance to the final qualifying session.
- Q3 will be a 14 minute session with the eight fastest drivers from Q2.
- After fiver minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated then in 90-second intervals thereafter the new slowest driver/s will be eliminated until the chequered flag falls.
- The two fastest drivers will head into a 90-second pole position shootout.
