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2026 F1 Points System Update and New Qualifying Rules

 

2026 F1 Points System Update and New Qualifying Rules: All You Need to Know

Discover the 2026 Formula 1 championship format changes — how the points system works, what’s staying the same, and the new qualifying rules for an expanded grid. Expert breakdown for fans and newcomers.



Introduction: A New Era in Formula 1

The 2026 Formula 1 season marks one of the biggest regulation overhauls in the sport’s history — from new cars and power units to revamped race formats and qualifying. While technical and aerodynamic rules have drawn most headlines, understanding the points system and qualifying changes is essential for any fan or blogger covering the 2026 championship.

In this article, we’ll break down:

  • What is changing — and what is not changing — with the F1 points system

  • Why the FIA chose to keep the traditional scoring

  • How qualifying format has been updated for an expanded grid

  • What it means for teams, drivers, and fans in 2026

The Points System in Formula 1: What Has Stayed the Same

No Major Changes in Points Allocation

Despite discussions about potential updates to the Formula 1 points system, the core structure remains unchanged for the 2026 season. The FIA Formula 1 Commission reviewed proposals, including extending points beyond 10th place, but ultimately ruled out any modification to the existing points structure for both drivers and constructors.

That means the familiar Grand Prix points table continues:

PositionPoints
1st25
2nd18
3rd15
4th12
5th10
6th8
7th6
8th4
9th2
10th1

This system rewards top-10 finishes and ensures that drivers and teams continue to compete fiercely throughout the field.

What About Shortened Races?

Formula 1 already uses a tiered points table for races that are shortened due to red flags or other reasons (e.g., rain or stoppages). In 2026, this structure still applies, with reduced points given depending on how much of the race distance was completed:

  • 2 laps to <25% of scheduled distance: reduced point scale

  • 25–50% and 50–75%: intermediate point scales

  • >75%: full points awarded

This ensures fairness when unexpected race interruptions affect race duration.

Sprint Race Points

The Sprint format, introduced in recent seasons to add weekend excitement, will retain its own points system in 2026, with points awarded to the top finishers in the sprint event. These sprint points remain separate from the main Grand Prix’s scoring structure.

Why the FIA Kept the Points System Unchanged

There were proposals earlier for expanding points into the top 12 or top 14 finishers to help midfield teams score more often. However, these ideas were criticized for complicating the championship and diluting the reward value of higher places. In response, the FIA chose continuity over upheaval, allowing fans and teams to focus on the much bigger technical and sporting regulation changes for 2026.

In short, the points system remains stable amid one of the most dramatic rule shifts in decades.

The 2026 Qualifying Format: What’s New?

One of the clearest sporting regulation changes for 2026 relates to qualifying, driven largely by the sport’s expanding grid.

Formula 1 will feature 22 cars in 2026, up from 20 — largely due to the entry of a new constructor. This requires adjustments in both qualifying and race weekend structure.

Here’s how qualifying will be structured:

SessionDurationDriversKnockouts
Q118 minutes22 drivers6 eliminated
Q215 minutes16 drivers6 eliminated
Q312 minutes10 drivers—

This differs from the previous format (pre-2026), where five drivers were eliminated in Q1 and Q2. The new system increases elimination pressure, especially for midfield and lower grid teams.

Why Change Qualifying at All?

With two additional cars joining the grid, the FIA and Formula 1 opted to maintain session durations while adjusting the number of eliminated drivers. This makes the qualifying session more competitive — every lap and tyre choice matters more because fewer grid spots are guaranteed going into the next round of qualifying.

What This Means for Fans and Teams

1. More Excitement in Qualifying

  • More drivers competing in each session

  • Increased risk if drivers don’t optimize their laps

  • Greater unpredictability with added pressure

2. Greater Midfield Battles

With an expanded grid, midfield teams now have more opportunities to fight their way into Q2 and Q3 — but also risk being knocked out earlier. Mistakes will be punished more severely under the new system.

3. Race Strategy Implications

Qualifying position impacts race strategy more than ever in 2026 — especially with other sporting and technical changes (e.g., new powertrain rules, active aerodynamics and overtaking system changes) reshaping the nature of race pace.

Other Sporting Regulation Tweaks Affecting Competition

While the points system itself remains unchanged, the 2026 regulations include a broader restructuring of the sporting, technical, and operational rulebooks. The new regulatory framework aims to make rules more consistent, readable, and fair for all competitors, reducing contradictions between different sections of the code.

This may not directly change points or qualifying results, but it reinforces the overall stability and clarity of the championship’s governance.

Qualifying and Sprint Weekends

The qualifying changes apply not only to standard race weekends but also to Sprint weekends, ensuring consistency regardless of weekend format. The increased elimination numbers also mean sprint qualifying will remain a competitive and unpredictable spectacle in 2026.

Key Takeaways: F1 2026 Sporting Format

 Points System

  • No change to the way race and sprint points are awarded. Established scoring continues for both drivers and constructors.

 Qualifying Format

  • Expanded grid brought a new elimination pattern in qualifying sessions.

  • Q1 and Q2 eliminate six drivers each; Q3 decides the top 10.

 Strategic Impact

  • More competitive qualifying battles

  • Greater importance on tyre strategy, track position, and one-lap performance

These changes aim to enhance the sporting spectacle without drastically altering the championship’s core structure.

What This Means for Fans and Bloggers

Understanding these updates is critical for F1 coverage in 2026. Here’s why:

  • Fan discussions will center on tight qualifying margins

  • Midfield teams have more spotlight opportunities

  • Points remain valuable — but qualifying position becomes an even bigger early indicator of race weekends

As 2026 unfolds, these rule updates will shape race narratives, championship battles, and strategic stories that keep fans tuning in.

Conclusion: Stability Amid Change

The 2026 Formula 1 season promises dramatic technical and sporting innovations, but when it comes to points and qualifying, the FIA has chosen a blend of continuity and adaptation:

  • Points System: unchanged, preserving predictability for championship scoring

  • Qualifying Rules: adapted for a larger grid and competitive balance

This balance helps preserve the sport’s traditions while evolving its competitive fabric for a new era.

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