Overview
- Session lengths stay at 18 minutes for Q1 and 15 for Q2, with Q3 unchanged and still featuring the top 10.
- Q1 and Q2 will now eliminate six drivers each, a shift the FIA will also apply on sprint-format weekends.
- Sprint qualifying will run shorter segments, and mandatory tyre sequencing remains in place with mediums early and softs for decisive runs.
- Teams had sought longer Q1 and Q2 to cope with added traffic, but the FIA opted to keep timings and adjust eliminations instead.
- Operational risks rise with tighter delta-time rules and more cars queuing in the pit lane, increasing pressure on midfield runners such as Franco Colapinto as Alpine readies its Mercedes-powered A526 for a January 23 reveal.