F1 2026 cars to be more colorful with at least 55% painted surface. The F1 Commission confirms that 2026 cars must have at least 55% of their surface painted or covered with stickers.

F1 Commission outlines key decisions for 2026

Today, the F1 Commission held its fourth and final annual meeting, focusing naturally on the 2026 season—a year set to bring an unprecedented regulatory revolution. This new era promises to be visually more appealing for fans.

In the previous major car philosophy shift in 2022, teams initially struggled to reduce the weight of their cars to meet the minimum requirement. In many cases, this led them to strip paint from the livery, sometimes exposing raw carbon fiber to the point where the cars were harder to recognize. To counteract this, starting in 2026, the FIA will require teams to paint or apply decals on at least 55% of their car’s surface, as seen from the side or from above.

Team numbers and career flexibility

The F1 Commission meeting, chaired by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis, and attended by team principals, also approved changes to the rules on driver numbers, fixed since 2014. A new proposal will allow drivers to change their race number during their career, giving more flexibility to personal branding and fan recognition.

Double pit stop discussions postponed

No decision was made, at least for now, regarding the controversial double pit stop proposal, which has been debated in recent weeks as a way to make races more exciting. The FIA has not yet reached an agreement on mandating two tire stops per Grand Prix, which will remain mandatory for Monte-Carlo. Discussions are expected to continue throughout the 2026 season, meaning that if approved, the double pit stop could come into effect no earlier than 2027.

Aerodynamic test restrictions under review

Finally, the Commission also reviewed restrictions on the number of aerodynamic tests (ATR) teams are allowed, based on their finishing position in the previous Constructors’ Championship. The FIA stated that modifications are being developed to better align Formula 1 with modern technologies while taking costs into account.