At its final meeting of the year, the FIA discussed several changes to the current Formula 1 technical and sporting regulations. As for the introduction of a mandatory double pit stop, everything has been postponed until 2026.
More colourful single-seaters, with liveries covering at least 55% of the car, and a series of adjustments to the technical and sporting regulations for 2026. During its final meeting of the year, the FIA addressed a number of topics related to changes to the Formula 1 regulations looking ahead to the next seasons. While there is no doubt when it comes to livery colours, as on-track recognisability is considered a priority, decisions on other topics discussed during the meeting have been postponed. One issue above all has generated the most debate: the introduction of a mandatory double pit stop will require more time before a final decision is made.
Why does the FIA want more colourful cars?
Over the past few years, teams have increasingly searched for ways to reduce car weight, which has gradually led to less use of paint and adhesive films. According to the FIA, it will no longer be possible to leave large “bare” surfaces, meaning exposed carbon fibre areas in black, and a minimum threshold has now been established that teams cannot go below. “At least 55% of the surface area (as viewed from the side and from above) must be covered by painted or adhesive liveries, rather than bare carbon fibre surfaces. The objective of this measure is to increase visual differentiation between the cars.”
The new rule on drivers’ race numbers
Among the planned changes, there is also another update concerning the rules related to permanent race numbers for drivers, which were introduced back in 2014. “It was agreed that drivers would be allowed to propose changes to their race numbers during their careers.”
2026 technical and sporting regulations
There is still no unanimous agreement on whether to introduce a mandatory double pit stop for tyre changes at every Grand Prix, an obligation that will remain in place only for the Monaco Grand Prix in the Principality. The topic will be discussed again in 2026, and any potential changes would not come into effect before 2027.
“A proposal was discussed,” reads the official FIA document, “to evaluate the obligation of two pit stops for Grands Prix, together with adjustments to tyre specifications, limits on tyre life, and the use of three compounds during the race. The discussion focused on feedback from analyses and simulations provided by the teams and by Pirelli. At present, no changes have been agreed, but it was agreed that discussions on this topic will continue during the 2026 season.”
Among the additional topics examined were also the restrictions on aerodynamic testing (ATR) that teams are allowed to carry out based on their finishing position in the most recent Constructors’ Championship. This measure was taken “to align Formula 1 with modern processing and simulation technologies, while also taking cost considerations into account.”
Finally, the introduction of a more advanced Driving Cooling System compared to the one currently in use was discussed, aimed at improving driver cooling during races where physical strain is increased due to high temperatures. This topic too will be revisited at a later stage.
