Before the battle for pole position came the fight simply to stay in contention.
The 2026 Le Mans qualifying sessions were all about securing a place in Hyperpole, with every lap carrying enormous importance for teams and drivers eager to keep their hopes alive. Across Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGT3, the margins were often razor-thin as manufacturers and teams pushed to avoid an early disappointment.
Some favourites progressed comfortably, while others found themselves under pressure as the clock ticked down. Traffic, track evolution and changing conditions all played their part in shaping a qualifying session that set the stage for the rest of race week.
Relive the key moments from qualifying at the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours in this official one-hour review.