Formula 1 Qualifying 2025: New Rules and Format Changes Reshape Race Weekend Structure

New Qualifying Regulations for 2025

Qualifying remains a crucial part of any Formula 1 weekend, determining the starting grid positions for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

The standard qualifying session lasts one hour and consists of three knockout segments. During each session, drivers can complete as many timed laps as they wish, with any lap started before the checkered flag being valid for qualification.

Key Changes for 2025

While 2025 precedes a major technical regulation overhaul, several significant rule changes have been implemented for the current season.

One of the most notable changes concerns the procedure for setting the starting grid when qualifying sessions cannot take place. The sporting regulations now include specific provisions for such scenarios, with the grid being determined based on the Drivers’ Championship standings. This replaces the previous system where the starting order was left to the stewards’ discretion.

Sprint Weekend Format

The 2025 season features six Sprint weekends throughout the calendar. The Sprint format provides a condensed version of the main race, running approximately one-third of the Grand Prix distance over 100km, with no mandatory pit stops required.

The Chinese Grand Prix marks the first Sprint event of 2025, following a specific schedule: Friday features one practice session followed by Sprint qualifying, Saturday morning hosts the Sprint race, with the main race qualifying taking place Saturday afternoon, and the Grand Prix running on Sunday.

Technical and Safety Updates

A significant addition for 2025 is the introduction of a driver cooling kit. This system will be mandatory when the FIA declares a “heat hazard” in temperatures exceeding 30.5°C (86.9°F). To accommodate this safety measure, the minimum car weight will increase by 5 kilograms when the cooling system is required, addressing concerns following the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix incidents.

The 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship represents the 76th running of the premier open-wheel racing series, featuring twenty-four Grands Prix across the globe from March to December. Drivers and teams will compete for both the World Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.