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In qualifying, drivers search for the fastest possible lap. This tutorial shows how to analyze qualifying sessions. It compares progression through Q1/Q2/Q3 and identifies where time is gained or lost. Qualifying results showing top 10 grid positions

Loading Qualifying Data

Understanding Qualifying Structure

Modern F1 qualifying has three segments:
  • Q1: All 20 drivers, bottom 5 eliminated
  • Q2: Top 15 drivers, bottom 5 eliminated
  • Q3: Top 10 drivers fight for pole

Finding Fastest Laps per Driver

Get each driver’s best lap time.

Visualizing the Grid

Create a visual representation of the qualifying results.

Progression Through Sessions

Analyze how drivers improved from Q1 to Q3.

Visualizing Progression

Show how drivers improved through the sessions.

Tire Compound Analysis

See which compounds drivers used for their fastest laps.

Gap to Pole

Calculate and visualize the gap to pole position.

Sector Analysis

Identify which sectors drivers are strongest in.

Telemetry Comparison

Compare telemetry between pole sitter and second place.

Identifying Deleted Laps

See which laps were deleted (track limits violations).

Consistency Analysis

Measure driver consistency across all qualifying laps.

Complete Analysis Function

Combine these steps in a reusable function.

Summary

Use tif1 to:
  • Identify pole position and grid order
  • Track progression through Q1/Q2/Q3
  • Analyze sector performance
  • Compare telemetry between drivers
  • Measure consistency
  • Identify track limits violations
Use these techniques to understand what separates pole position from the rest of the field.

Race Analysis

Analyze races.

Advanced Telemetry

A detailed examination of telemetry.

Examples

More examples.
Last modified on September 3, 2026