F1 Commission Debates Mandatory Two-Pitstop Rule, No Agreement Reached
The F1 Commission debated a proposal to mandate two pitstops for the 2026 season, aiming to increase strategic variation, but no agreement was reached due to divided opinions among teams and experts. Simultaneously, new rules were introduced to ensure a minimum of 55% livery coverage on cars to enhance visual differentiation and brand visibility on track. Discussions on pitstop strategies will continue, while teams prepare to comply with the new livery regulations.
A proposal to mandate two pitstops in Formula 1 races next season was discussed at the final F1 Commission meeting of 2025, but the issue remains unresolved. This potential rule change, aimed at increasing strategic variation and excitement, continues to divide teams and experts, with concerns that it could lead to uniform strategies rather than enhanced unpredictability.
Why it matters:
After a series of races with limited strategic variation, the debate around mandatory two-pitstops highlights F1's ongoing effort to enhance on-track excitement and unpredictability. The outcome of this discussion will significantly influence race dynamics and team strategies for the 2026 season, potentially reshaping how races unfold and challenging teams to adapt.
The details:
- Proposal for Two Pitstops: The F1 Commission discussed a proposal to enforce two pitstops per race for the 2026 season, an idea that was trialed at this year's Monaco Grand Prix.
- Divisive Issue: The concept has generated mixed reactions. Supporters argue it would add excitement and unpredictability, while critics, like Williams team principal James Vowles, fear it could lead to all teams adopting identical strategies.
- Pirelli's Stance: F1's official tire supplier, Pirelli, favors alternative measures to encourage strategic diversity rather than mandating two stops. Pirelli recently experimented with a 'step' between harder compound tires at the U.S. and Mexico Grands Prix to make one-stop races less viable, but teams still managed one-stop strategies.
- Commission's Decision: The FIA confirmed that no changes were agreed upon regarding pitstop rules or tire specifications, but discussions will continue throughout the 2026 season.
The big picture:
Beyond pitstop strategies, the F1 Commission also addressed the visual presentation of cars. A new rule was introduced to tackle the increasing trend of teams reducing paint and stickers to save weight, which left large sections of bare carbon fiber visible. This raised concerns about visual differentiation and brand visibility on television.
- Minimum Livery Coverage: A new rule mandates that a minimum of 55% of the car's surface area (when viewed from the side and above) must be covered by painted or stickered liveries, rather than bare carbon fiber.
- Objective: This measure aims to increase visual differentiation between cars and improve brand visibility for TV audiences.
What's next:
As the 2026 season approaches, teams will continue to monitor developments regarding the mandatory two-stop proposal. Simultaneously, they will need to adapt their car designs to comply with the new livery requirements, ensuring their vehicles meet the aesthetic standards set by the FIA to enhance the sport's overall spectacle and appeal.