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F1 Shelves Two-Stop Mandate for Now as 2026 Livery and Number Rules Approved

Ongoing talks reflect fears that a two-stop rule could reduce strategy variety, with tyre-led options under review.

Overview

  • The F1 Commission debated enforcing two pit stops alongside tyre-life limits, compound-use rules and specification changes, then confirmed no immediate change with discussions to continue during 2026.
  • A 2026 regulation will require at least 55% of each car’s side and top surfaces to be painted or stickered to limit bare carbon fibre and boost visual differentiation.
  • Drivers will be permitted to change their permanent competition numbers during their careers, and updates to Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions are being developed to reflect modern simulation technology and cost controls.
  • The driver cooling system was reviewed with proposed redesigns and a possible weight allowance, with further feedback to be gathered via the GPDA.
  • Team bosses and drivers warned a mandated two-stop could converge strategies, citing Monaco’s unpopular trial, while Pirelli and teams favor creating larger tyre performance gaps over enforcing pit counts.