F1 approves livery regulation while discussions on two-stop strategies persist.

      Discussions will extend into the 2026 season

      Formula 1’s stakeholders have approved several regulatory adjustments for 2026, which include a requirement for a minimum level of livery coverage, while postponing a decision on the contentious proposal for mandatory two-stop races. During the F1 Commission meeting held last week in London, overseen by Nikolas Tombazis and Stefano Domenicali, the FIA announced that teams must cover at least 55 percent of their cars' surface area—viewed from the side and top—with paint or stickers starting next year. This initiative aims to address the increasing presence of bare carbon-fiber vehicles and enhance visual differentiation on the track.

      The Commission also supported a modification to the longstanding driver numbering regulations, allowing drivers to change their permanent race numbers at any point in their careers, marking the first alteration to the system established in 2014. However, disagreements around changes to race formats remain unresolved. The proposed mandatory two-stop rule, along with suggestions related to tire life limitations and requiring drivers to utilize all three tire compounds during a grand prix, elicited varied reactions from teams and Pirelli based on their analyses. No consensus was reached, and discussions will carry on into the 2026 season. The Commission also examined potential redesigns for driver cooling systems for 2026, with input to be collected via the GPDA before any requirements are implemented.