Qualifying, Hyperpole, drivers: what's changing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026

Just weeks before the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest has announced several major changes to the qualifying and Hyperpole formats. More cars, a redesigned progressive elimination system, and new driver regulations will shape one of the highlights of the Le Mans classic.

Published 29/05/2026 à 16:43

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Qualifying, Hyperpole, drivers: what's changing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026

Several changes have been made to the qualifying and Hyperpole sessions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans ©Javier Jimenez / DPPI

Introduced in 2020 by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the Hyperpole qualification system is evolving once again this year as the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le MansThe ambition of this new system is clear: more cars on track for a more exciting race. Specifically, qualifying will be divided into several distinct phases. As last year, two independent qualifying sessions will be held: one initially reserved for LMP2 and LMGT3 cars, and another for Hypercars. Each session will last at least 30 minutes.

More cars in Hyperpole

The main change concerns the number of cars qualifying for Hyperpole. During Qualifying, the 15 fastest cars (compared to 12 last year) in each category will now advance to Hyperpole 1, meaning three more competitors in LMP2 and LMGT3 compared to the previous format.

Hyperpole 1 will consist of two 20-minute sessions: one for LMP2 and LMGT3 cars, and one for Hypercars. At the end of this first phase, the cars ranked between 11th and 15th place will definitively lock in their starting grid positions. Only the top 10 will then advance to Hyperpole 2, the final and decisive 15-minute session, to determine pole position for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Gentleman and semi-professional pilots highlighted

The other major change directly concerns the drivers. In LMP2, only the driver with the lowest FIA classification in the crew will be allowed to participate in the first qualifying session. This rule is already in place in LMGT3 with Bronze drivers. However, the restriction limiting Hyperpole to a Silver driver for LMGT3 is being eliminated this year.

As a reminder, qualifying will take place first on Wednesday from 18:45 PM to 19:15 PM for LMP2 and LMGT3, then from 19:30 PM to 20:00 PM for Hypercars. The two Hyperpole sessions will be held on Thursday evening, first for LMP2 and LMGT3 from 20:00 PM to 20:50 PM, then for the top category from 21:05 PM to 21:55 PM for Hypercars.

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