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Le Mans 2026 qualifying shake-up: new rules ignite fierce debate among endurance racing teams

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
December 17, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Le Mans 2026 qualifying shake-up: new rules ignite fierce debate among endurance racing teams

New Qualifying Format Set to Shake Up Le Mans 24 Hours for 2026!

Get ready for a radical transformation at one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world! The Le Mans 24 Hours is gearing up for a thrilling new qualifying format that promises to enhance the drama and excitement for fans and competitors alike. After years of evolving the qualifying system, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) is making yet another bold move for the 2026 edition of this iconic race, which takes place next June.

A Quick Recap of the Current Format

Last year, the Le Mans qualifying process underwent a substantial overhaul with the introduction of a two-stage Hyperpole format that had fans on the edge of their seats. The structure is divided into three distinct sessions: a qualifying session (Q) on Wednesday, followed by two intense Hyperpole sessions (H1 and H2) on Thursday.

On June 10, 2026, LMP2 and LMGT3 competitors will kick off the action with a 30-minute qualifying session, where the top 12 in each category will advance to Hyperpole 1. Meanwhile, Hypercars will race in their own qualifying session, with the top 15 cars making the cut for H1. The following day, the battle intensifies as the qualified LMP2 and LMGT3 cars compete in H1 for 20 minutes, with only the top eight moving on to H2. The Hypercar session mirrors this format, with 15 cars vying for a coveted spot in the final shootout.

What’s New for 2026?

Hold onto your helmets, because the biggest change for 2026 will center around driver allocation! Under the new rules, the driver who qualifies the car in the initial Q session won’t be allowed to take the wheel in H1. This is a significant shift from 2025, when drivers had the flexibility to qualify in any of the sessions.

Furthermore, if a car makes it to H2, all three nominated drivers must participate across the three sessions. This means teams will need to strategize carefully to ensure each driver is prepared for their qualifying runs, adding yet another layer of complexity to an already challenging event.

However, there’s a silver lining for LMGT3 participants: a Bronze-rated driver still holds the exclusive right to qualify the car during the first session, a rule that remains unchanged from 2025.

Is This Change a Genius Move or a Recipe for Chaos?

The racing community is divided over this dramatic shift. Some purists argue that endurance racing is fundamentally a team sport, and requiring all three drivers to contribute during qualifying makes perfect sense. Yet others, like Sebastien Buemi, caution against the complications this new rule introduces. “Having to change drivers between H1 and H2 complicates things,” he lamented. “It means both drivers need to prepare for flying laps, which takes up valuable time in free practice.”

In a race where grid position historically has minimal impact on the final outcome, as evidenced by last year’s podium finishers starting from 13th, 21st, and 11th places, some critics question whether the added complexity is necessary. Fellow racer Kevin Estre echoed this sentiment, highlighting concerns over the impact on race preparation, as well as the headache of ballast adjustments based on driver weight.

A Glimpse into the History of Le Mans Qualifying

Interestingly, this new qualifying structure harkens back to the 1980 system when pole position was awarded based on the best average lap time among drivers. While the rules have evolved dramatically since then, the essence of competition remains unchanged. From the engine capacity regulations from 1923 to 1962 to the current Hyperpole format introduced in 2020, the quest for pole position at Le Mans has always been a thrilling spectacle.

As we gear up for the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours, one thing is certain: the stakes are higher than ever. Will the new qualifying format create a more dynamic and engaging race, or will it add unnecessary complications? Only time will tell, but fans and teams alike are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a sensational showdown on the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe!

Tags: 2015-motogp-championship2025-le-mans-24-hourskevin-estresSébastien Buemi
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