FIA confirms two mandatory pit stops for the 2026 Monaco GP despite heated controversy. FIA confirms two mandatory pit stops for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix.

Despite the controversies, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has confirmed that the regulation requiring two mandatory pit stops will remain in place for the 2026 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. This decision comes in the wake of the chaotic 2025 edition of the race in the Principality, which left many drivers angry and sparked a heated debate throughout the paddock.

The rule was first introduced for the 2025 Monaco GP as an experimental measure to make the race more exciting. The tight, twisty layout of Monte Carlo is famous for its glamour but also notorious for being one of the most difficult tracks on the calendar for overtaking, often leading to processional races decided almost entirely by qualifying position. To address this, the FIA mandated that each driver would have to make two pit stops, with the idea that this would increase strategic variety and create more opportunities for position changes.

However, what worked in theory did not translate well in practice. Instead of producing closer racing, the new regulation opened the door to controversial tactics. Williams and Racing Bulls, for example, took full advantage of the situation by using one driver to deliberately slow down the pack. This allowed their teammate to complete pit stops with minimal time loss — effectively gaining positions without the usual strategic risk.

One of the most vocal critics after the race was Carlos Sainz, who said: “You are driving two or three seconds slower than what the car can actually do. It is manipulation of the race and of the result.”

The Spaniard added: “Every year it will become more normal to do these things. I am afraid that in the future we will see even more tactics like this.” His comments echoed throughout a divided paddock, with some defending the clever exploitation of the rules and others calling for greater sportsmanship.

Although Article 6.3.6 of the updated 2026 Sporting Regulations already states that “each driver must use at least three sets of tyres,” the FIA insists the discussion is not over.

Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Single-Seater Technical Director, told Autosport: “We do not think that what we saw this year is something to be repeated. There is a problem that needs to be addressed. The rule is in place, but Monaco is in June and we are in August. The topic will be discussed in the next meetings.”

Tombazis admitted that the real issue lies in the difficulty of overtaking on the Monaco street circuit, rather than the number of mandatory stops. He also made an appeal to the teams: “Be creative. If there are better proposals, we will support them.”

For now, the two mandatory pit stops remain part of the plan for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. But the debate over how to preserve the heritage and prestige of the event while also improving the spectacle on track is far from settled.