Formula 1 could be on the verge of bringing about its biggest sporting shake-up in years.
Alongside the landmark technical overhaul coming in 2026, F1 chiefs are reportedly weighing up a new rule that would
make two pit stops mandatory in every Grand Prix.
The proposal, pushed by Liberty Media and supported by several teams, is expected to be discussed at the next Formula 1 Commission meeting, according to Motorsport Italy.
Why It’s Back on the Table
The idea isn’t new, but it’s gaining traction again because modern Pirelli tyres are simply too durable. With teams favouring one-stop strategies for safety and simplicity, the number of tactical gambles and on-track drama has dwindled.
In fact, the last five Grand Prix have all been won on one-stop strategies, with the exceptions of chaotic races like Zandvoort (thanks to a safety car) or Silverstone (due to rain). The most recent true two-stopper came in Spielberg, months ago.
F1 has already experimented with tweaks to encourage more pit action, including raising pit-lane speed limits at select venues. But that hasn’t been enough to restore the strategy battles that once ruled the F1 landscape.
How It Would Work
Several variations are under discussion. One would force teams to use all three tyre compounds (soft, medium, hard) during the race, with each limited to no more than 45% of the total race distance. Another version would simply mandate two stops without dictating tyre choices.
The FIA has already dabbled in rule-based pit strategy: the 2025 Monaco GP was a two-stop race by regulation, after the 2024 edition saw nearly every driver change tyres under a red flag on Lap 1.
Supporters argue that a two-stop rule would make racing more unpredictable and engaging. Critics, however, warn that it could feel artificial, a forced solution to what should be an organic strategic choice.
