FIA Rejects Two Mandatory Pit Stops for F1, Introduces New Livery Rule for 2026

The FIA has decided against implementing two mandatory pit stops per Grand Prix, following a discussion by the Formula 1 Commission in London. This proposal, intended to enhance race excitement, was ultimately rejected after simulations and feedback from teams and Pirelli indicated it would not achieve its desired effect, as seen in races like Monaco.

Why it matters:

The pursuit of increased race excitement and strategic diversity is a constant in Formula 1. The rejection of mandatory two-stop races highlights the sport's ongoing challenge to find genuine ways to improve the spectacle without inadvertently stifling competition through overly prescriptive rules. It underscores a cautious approach to regulation changes, especially those impacting core race strategy.

The Details:

• Mandatory Pit Stop Proposal: The idea for two compulsory pit stops per race was discussed by the FIA Formula 1 Commission. The aim was to introduce more strategic variations and make races more unpredictable.
• Reasons for Rejection: The proposal failed to gain agreement, primarily because simulations and feedback from teams and Pirelli suggested it would not enhance excitement. Teams quickly found ways to optimize their strategy, as demonstrated by the Monaco Grand Prix, where the concept was trialed, leading to overly conservative driving to meet the minimum stop requirement without genuine strategic variance.
• Wider Discussions: The discussions also included potential adjustments to tire specifications, tire lifespan, and the use of all three tire compounds in a race. No changes were decided for these areas, but further talks are planned for the 2026 season.
• New Livery Rule for 2026: A significant decision was made regarding car liveries. Starting in 2026, the FIA will introduce a “minimum surface area requirement for vehicle liveries.” At least 55% of the car's surface must be painted.
  • Reason for Livery Rule: This rule is a direct response to the recent trend of teams leaving larger sections of their cars unpainted carbon fiber to save weight. While weight-saving is crucial, this trend has made cars less visually distinctive and harder to identify, impacting fan experience.

What's next:

While mandatory pit stops are off the table for now, discussions on tire strategy and other race enhancements will continue. The focus will likely shift to finding more organic ways to promote varied strategies rather than imposing them. The new livery rule for 2026 ensures that cars will retain their distinct visual identities, which is a small but important victory for fans and the aesthetics of the sport.