F1 Qualifying: Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Format and Recent Results

The Importance of Formula 1 Qualifying

Formula 1 qualifying stands as one of the most crucial components of a Grand Prix weekend, determining how drivers will line up on the grid for Sunday’s race. The starting positions are decided by the drivers’ fastest lap times during the qualifying session.

Current Qualifying Format

The current qualifying format, introduced in 2006, consists of three sessions (Q1, Q2, and Q3) held on Saturday of the race weekend. Each session has a specific duration during which drivers aim to set their fastest possible lap times.

The first session, Q1, runs for 18 minutes with all drivers participating. Drivers must set competitive times to advance, as the five slowest drivers are eliminated and will start from the back of the grid.

Latest Qualifying Results

In the most recent qualifying session at Monza for the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured pole position, outpacing the McLarens to claim his fifth pole of the season.

The top qualifying order saw:
– Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
– Lando Norris (McLaren)
– Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
– Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
– George Russell (Mercedes)

Recent Developments

Following successful testing of a new qualifying format with tires in 2023, Formula 1 is considering implementing this format across the entire 2025 season, though final decisions are still pending.

During qualifying sessions, drivers have the freedom to determine their number of laps, typically aiming to maximize performance with minimal runs to conserve tire sets. On average, drivers complete about two fast laps per qualifying segment.