107% Rule

The 107% Rule is a Formula 1 regulation that prevents excessively slow cars from competing in races. It requires all drivers to set a qualifying lap time within 107% of the fastest time in the first qualifying session (Q1) to be eligible for the race.

For example, if the fastest Q1 lap is 1 minute and 40 seconds (100 seconds), any driver slower than 107 seconds would fail to qualify. Race stewards can grant exceptions based on practice performance or extenuating circumstances like mechanical issues or weather conditions.

Introduced in 1996, removed after 2002, and reinstated in 2011, this rule ensures both safety and competitiveness by maintaining a minimum performance standard across the grid. It prevents dangerously large speed differentials between the fastest and slowest cars during races.