Q1

Q1 (Qualifying 1) is the first segment of a multi-part qualifying session in motorsports that determines starting positions for a race.

In Formula 1, all 20 drivers participate in this 18-minute session, with the five slowest drivers being eliminated and assigned grid positions 16-20. The remaining drivers advance to Q2. In MotoGP, Q1 features riders who didn't finish in the top 10 during practice sessions, with only the fastest two progressing to Q2.

Q1 creates initial pressure in qualifying as drivers must balance speed with precision to avoid elimination. The infamous "107% rule" in F1 requires drivers to set a time within 107% of the fastest Q1 lap to be eligible for the race.