Looking ahead to next season, which is expected to bring a complete overhaul of the regulations, Formula 1 is considering implementing a rule that would require drivers to maketwo pit stops in every race.
According to the specialized portal Motorsport, Liberty Media, a shareholder in the category, will present the proposal at the next F1 Commission meeting. The goal is for drivers to "always give their best" and to reduce "race phases in which tire management is necessary."
This rule was already applied on a one-off basis at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix and the most recent Monaco GP, won by Lando Norris, although the measure received criticism, especially from Dutchman Max Verstappen, four-time champion with Red Bull, who questioned its effectiveness in increasing the spectacle.
Ya se hicieron pruebas de la normativa en GPs anteriores
For now, there are three alternatives on the table to enforce the two-stop requirement:
Use the three tire compounds that Pirelli recommends for each race.
Eliminate the obligation to change compounds during the race.
Set a maximum limit of 45% of the race distance for each set of tires.
In addition to this modification, the 2026 season will bring a deep technological and regulatory transformation. The cars and tires will be smaller, electric engines will play a greater role, front wingswill be movable, aerodynamic load influence will be reduced, and fuels will become synthetic.
With these changes, F1 aims to increase the spectacle, optimize race strategy, and move toward a more sustainable and technological competition in the new era of the category.
