F2 – Monaco Grand Prix: Breakdown of qualifying groups

The F2 qualifying will follow its particular format with the division of the field into two distinct groups for the qualifications. This procedure, specific to the Monaco Grand Prix, addresses the particular constraints of the Principality’s track. Indeed, it helps to avoid traffic jams on this narrow circuit, thereby reducing the risk of interference between drivers during their fast laps.

The drivers will be divided according to their race number: even numbers will form group A, and odd numbers group B. A draw held on Thursday during the drivers’ briefing determined the run order. Group A will take to the track first at 3:10 PM, followed by group B at 3:34 PM. This separation creates a particular dynamic, with track conditions evolving between the two sessions, potentially advantaging or disadvantaging one group compared to the other.

The pole position will go to the driver who achieved the fastest overall time, regardless of their group. The fastest in the slower group will start second on the grid. The rest of the grid is formed by alternating between the two groups according to their performances.

For Saturday’s sprint race, it is the fifth fastest from the slower group who will benefit from the reverse pole position, accompanied on the front row by the fifth fastest from the faster qualifying group.

This grouping often generates surprises in Monaco. Three of the last four pole positions were achieved by drivers from group A, the group that goes first. However, even if opening the session in the first group can sometimes be an advantage on this circuit, the unexpected is always possible.

The groups are divided as follows: