Formula 1 is set to undergo significant changes in 2026, with the arrival of Cadillac as the 11th team on the grid and a host of new regulations impacting car design and power units. These changes will also affect the qualifying format, ensuring a fair and exciting competition for all teams.

Qualifying Format Adjustments

The current qualifying format, which has been in place for several years, consists of three sessions: Q1, Q2, and Q3. Q1 lasts 18 minutes, Q2 lasts 15 minutes, and Q3 lasts 12 minutes. In each session, drivers aim to set the fastest lap time to secure their place in the next round. The slowest drivers are eliminated at the end of Q1 and Q2, with the remaining drivers competing for pole position in Q3.

With Cadillac joining the grid, the number of cars participating in qualifying will increase to 22. To accommodate the additional entries while maintaining the same number of cars in Q3, the FIA has adjusted the elimination process. Instead of the usual five drivers being eliminated in Q1 and Q2, six drivers will now be knocked out in each of the first two sessions. This will ensure that the top 10 drivers still advance to Q3 to battle for pole position.

Impact of Cadillac's Inclusion

Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 marks the first time since 2016 that the grid has featured more than 10 teams. The American outfit, backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, has signed experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez to lead their campaign. Zhou Guanyu has joined as a reserve driver. The team's presence is expected to boost Formula 1's popularity in the United States, where the sport has seen significant growth in recent years.

Other Regulation Changes for 2026

In addition to the qualifying format adjustments, Formula 1 is introducing a range of other regulation changes in 2026. These include:

• Power Unit Regulations: The new power units will still produce over 1,000 bhp (750 kW), but the power will come from different sources. The turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 internal combustion engine will be retained, but the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat) will be removed. The MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic) output will increase to 470 bhp (350 kW) from 160 bhp (120 kW).
• Aerodynamic Regulations: The cars will feature new active aerodynamics in both the front and rear wings. The drag reduction system (DRS) will be replaced by a new overtake mode. The wheelbase will be reduced from 360 cm (140 in) to 340 cm (130 in), and the width will be reduced from 200 cm (79 in) to 190 cm (75 in). The minimum mass will also be reduced by 30 kg (66 lb).

These changes are intended to promote closer racing, increase overtaking opportunities, and make the cars more challenging to handle.

The 2026 Formula 1 season promises to be an exciting one, with new teams, new regulations, and a renewed focus on competition. The changes to the qualifying format will ensure that all teams have a fair chance to compete, while the other regulation changes will create a more level playing field and promote closer racing.