I was not keen on making this post, but due to the high influx of new F1 fans in recent times I considered that it is worth to explain the Formula 1 (F1) qualifying sessions. The second secret reason is because there are no races this weekend, and I need to keep the motivation high. Let’s keep this post business as usual, but before we get into the details, there are two types of qualifiers, Grand Prix (Conventional Format) and Sprint. Just keep this in mind for now.
Grand Prix (Conventional Format)
Qualifiers are relatively easy, once someone explains them to you. We will divide them in three stages, which will help you get introduced to the nomenclature used in F1; Q1, Q2 and Q3.
- Q1 lasts 18 minutes. The cars with the 5 slowest times, get disqualified.
- Q2 lasts 15 minutes. Again, the cars with the 5 slowest times, get disqualified.
- Q3 lasts 12 minutes. Sets the top 10 spots on the grid.
The Sprinting Six
There are six races throughout the season that are exceptions to the rule. These are the Sprints. According to the F1 website, these are the dates and locations of the six Sprints for 2023:
| Grand Prix | Circuit | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | Baku City Circuit | April 28-30 |
| Austria | Red Bull Ring | June 30 – July 2 |
| Belgium | Spa-Francorchamps | July 28-30 |
| Qatar | Lusail Circuit | October 06-08 |
| United States | Circuit of The Americas | October 20-22 |
| Sao Paulo | Interlagos | November 3-5 |
So, Sprints are shorter dashes (100km) that are a little different from the conventional format:
- There is a Sprint Qualifier on Friday. The times on this qualifier, determine the grid for the Sprint Race that takes place on Saturday.
- The Sprint Race on Saturday determines the grid for the main race on Sunday.
- There is a practice session before each Sprint (Friday and Saturday).
- Points are given to the winners of the Sprint and the main race. The distribution of the points given for Sprint features, is shown below:
| Place | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 8 |
| 2nd | 7 |
| 3rd | 6 |
| 4th | 5 |
| 5th | 4 |
| 6th | 3 |
| 7th | 2 |
| 8th | 1 |
Finally, I would like to, first, thank Formula1.com that provided some of the information to make this post. You can find their article HERE. Second thanks go to F1Chronicle.com, that also provided key details for this post. You can find their post HERE. Last but not least, Fansided.com with also clutch information to help everyone understand the qualifying rules. You can find their post HERE.
I hope this post helps if you were not familiar with the rules of qualifying and its variations. Let’s keep the momentum going, if your favorite team is winning; and the spirits high if your favorite team/driver is not performing well.
Enjoy the races!
DL