24h Le Mans
The 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (10-14 June 2026) will sport a new, improved Hyperpole set-up. Thanks to the new format, the chase for pole position promises even more suspense and intensity. The aim is simple – to make every lap count and the qualifying sessions even more exciting to watch.
Introduced in 2020, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Hyperpole quickly became a highlight of the pre-race sessions. In a short space of time, drivers and cars are pushed to their limits. This year sees a revised format, with two separate qualifying rounds and more cars in the final. The proceedings will be simpler to grasp, and no less thrilling.
Since it was introduced, Hyperpole has produced some of the most emblematic images of Le Mans race week: a driver face to face with the clock, a car heading full pelt into the sunset, and spectators impatient to see who clinches pole position. The 2026 version will be even more intense.
The outcome remains to determine the position on the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting grid. However, the structure is changing to give more competitors a chance to take part in the Hyperpole session.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans Hyperpole will begin with two distinct qualifying (Q) sessions:
Each session lasts at least 30 minutes.
The fastest 15 cars in each class earn a place in Hyperpole 1. That means three more LMP2 and LMGT3 cars now qualify for Hyperpole.
Hyperpole consists of two stages.
Hyperpole 1 (H1) for the 15 fastest cars in each class – one session for Hypercars, and another for the other two classes. The two 20-minute sessions will produce a ranking.
Cars ranked 11 to 15 will take the corresponding place on the grid.
The top 10 go through to Hyperpole 2 (H2). Again, there will be two sessions, one for Hypercars and another for LMP2s and LMGT3s. Each session lasts 15 minutes. This means two more cars in each class will be able to compete for pole position compared to previous years. More competitors, a more uncertain outcome and more opportunity to make history.
Another major update concerns LMP2 driver crews.
From now on, during qualifying (Q) sessions, only the driver with the lowest FIA rating may take the wheel. The principle is already applied in LMGT3 where the bronze-rated driver must qualify the car is extended to LMP2.
The rule is in line with the fundamentals of endurance racing: at Le Mans, performance is a team effort. As such, every crew member has a turn in the limelight.
Another notable adjustment: in LMGT3, the rule stipulating that only a Silver driver can take the wheel in Hyperpole has been removed. This change gives teams more freedom in the distribution of roles.
Thanks to the new format, the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans Hyperpole is shaping up to be an even more spectacular prelude to the race.
More cars on track, more suspense. More gasping in unison with the people around you, whom you’ve never met before. That’s a typical Le Mans moment, and we have a week full of them lined up.
