Practice Sessions (FP1 & FP2)
Two 60-minute free practice sessions. Teams use these to set up the car — adjusting aerodynamics, suspension, brake balance. Drivers learn the track, test tyre compounds, and collect data. FP1 is often used to test new parts or give rookie drivers track time.
FP3 + Qualifying
A final 60-minute practice in the morning, then Qualifying in the afternoon — split into three knockout rounds. Q1 (all 20 drivers, 18 minutes — bottom 5 eliminated), Q2 (15 drivers, 15 minutes — bottom 5 eliminated), Q3 (top 10 drivers, 12 minutes — fight for pole position). The fastest lap in Q3 wins pole position — starting first on Sunday.
Race Day
The Grand Prix itself — approximately 305km. Drivers must use at least two different tyre compounds during the race, which drives the pit stop strategy battles that make F1 so compelling. Most races last between 90 minutes and 2 hours.
Pole position matters enormously. But in 2026 with the new cars and new rules, races are more unpredictable than ever — the pole sitter has lost the race multiple times already.