Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has confirmed a subtle but important adjustment to the sport’s qualifying structure ahead of the upcoming campaign.
From this season onward, the final segment of qualifying (Q3) will be extended by one minute, increasing from 12 minutes to 13 minutes. The modification is designed to accommodate the expanded grid and ensure teams have an adequate opportunity to complete competitive runs during the decisive session.
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Despite the change to Q3, the overall qualifying session will continue to be scheduled for one hour. To maintain that total duration, the break between Q2 and Q3 will be shortened from eight minutes to seven minutes, offsetting the additional time allocated to the final shootout.
The revision comes as Cadillac prepares to make its debut on the Formula 1 grid this year, expanding the field to 11 teams. With two additional cars competing, the structure of eliminations in the opening phases of qualifying will also change.
As a result, six cars — rather than five — will now be eliminated in both Q1 and Q2. The adjustment ensures that Q3 retains its traditional format of featuring the top ten drivers battling for pole position.
Elsewhere, the FIA has opted not to continue last season’s mandatory two pit stop rule at the Monaco Grand Prix. The experimental regulation, introduced previously in a bid to add strategic variation at the famously tight street circuit, has now been withdrawn.
When the Monaco Grand Prix takes place on its later-than-usual date of June 7, it will operate under the same sporting regulations as the rest of the calendar, without any additional pit stop requirements.
In a further technical development, the FIA confirmed that a new engine test will be introduced from June 1. The measure is aimed at addressing and eliminating a potential loophole relating to compression ratios, reinforcing the governing body’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field across the grid.
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