The 2016 F1 qualifying format explained

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

• 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.