F1 qualifying procedure changed to accommodate Cadillac's 2 cars

The FIA have made two changes to qualifying in the 2026 Formula 1 season ahead of Cadillac joining the sport as the 11th team.

Cadillac, the luxury car division of American manufacturer General Motors, will enter the sport as a standalone constructor from 2026 onwards, fielding the 21st and 22nd car. Since they are a new team, they are expected to occupy the last row on the grid each weekend. Anything better will be a shock.

As a result, the FIA has made several tweaks to the qualifying system to account for 22 cars entering each session.

2026 Formula 1 Qualifying Procedure

The qualifying format will be unchanged, with Q1, Q2 and Q3 remaining in place and running for the same amount of time.

Instead of the usual five drivers being eliminated in Q1, however, six drivers will now be knocked out from the opening session.

A further six drivers – again up from five – will be knocked out in Q2 to enable the top 10 to compete in the Q3 shootout.