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F1 Weighs Mandatory Two Pit Stops for 2026 as Pirelli Signals Openness

Pirelli says it is open to exploring the concept, with the FIA set to consider it in upcoming meetings.

Overview

  • Tyre supplier Pirelli confirmed the idea was discussed in the Mexico GP drivers’ briefing and is on agendas for the Sporting Advisory Committee and the F1 Commission.
  • Liberty Media is pushing the proposal and several teams are open to evaluating it, according to prior reporting, though the FIA says the ideas remain far from concrete.
  • Options under review include a simple two-stop mandate or requiring use of all three compounds with distance limits, with Pirelli suggesting two stops without compound rules could yield more variety.
  • The push follows a run of one-stop victories as more durable tyres have reduced degradation and narrowed strategic options, with recent exceptions driven by weather or safety cars.
  • Pirelli cautions that added constraints can make teams converge on identical strategies and urges simulations before any change, noting Monaco’s mandated two-stop format was not a useful template.