Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Pirelli Weighs Qatar Stint Caps as F1’s Two-Stop Plan Meets Resistance

A Qatar safety ruling is expected soon following warnings that forced stops would homogenize strategy.

Overview

  • Formula 1’s two-pitstop mandate remains a developing proposal on the F1 Commission agenda after a run of one-stop races.
  • Team bosses Alan Permane, Andrea Stella and James Vowles voiced reservations in São Paulo, urging focus on tyre degradation and compound gaps and cautioning against uniform strategies.
  • Pirelli is split, with motorsport director Mario Isola open to mandated two-stops for the show while chief engineer Simone Berra argues imposed stops would reduce strategic variety.
  • Max Verstappen urged caution given 2026 technical unknowns, and George Russell said any rule must be paired with greater tyre performance deltas to enable overtaking.
  • Pirelli is in talks with the FIA and teams on a Qatar-only maximum stint length or mileage limit for safety after past issues at Losail, which could force extra stops with a decision due soon.