Mandatory pit stops are under review in Formula 1 – Formula 1 is once again exploring changes aimed at increasing strategic variety and on-track excitement.
The latest idea under discussion within the FIA and among teams is to introduce two mandatory pit stops per race. This concept was trialled at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, but the results were mixed. Despite its limited success there, officials are now seriously considering implementing it at all circuits in the future.
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There are growing concerns over one-stop races
This discussion is motivated by the increasing number of one-stop races seen throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. For instance, the last five Grands Prix were all won with a single pit stop, which reduces the variety of race strategies and makes early track position far too decisive.
George Russell was among those to voice concern, arguing that Formula 1 races are often decided in the first corner rather than through clever strategy or tyre management.
In response, the FIA has added the issue to the agenda of the Sporting Advisory Committee, and it is set to be revisited by the Formula 1 Commission. The aim is to determine whether rule changes could make races less predictable and more engaging.
Pirelli’s efforts to influence strategy
As Formula 1’s official tyre supplier, Pirelli has already tried to encourage more varied strategies by altering the available tyre compounds. In some races, such as in Austin and Mexico, Pirelli omitted a compound to create a wider performance gap between tyres. In Austin, teams had access to C1, C3 and C4 tyres; in Mexico, the selection was C2, C4 and C5. The hope was that skipping the middle option would make two-stop strategies more viable.
However, these changes did not deliver the desired outcome. Teams still opted for the safer and more efficient one-stop strategy. Even with more aggressive compound spacing, the tyre wear and performance differences were not significant enough to make two stops competitive.
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Two stops: better spectacle, similar strategies?
Pirelli’s Head of Motorsport, Mario Isola, acknowledges the entertainment value of having more pit stops. He believes that ‘two pit stops are better for the show because they offer more unpredictability’. However, he also warns that mandatory changes could lead to uniformity rather than variety.
According to Isola, “If you impose more restrictions, there’s a risk that everyone will go in the same direction.”
In other words, while two stops could increase pit lane activity, they might also force teams to adopt identical strategies, thereby reducing the tactical complexity that Formula 1 prides itself on.
Isola argues that the balance lies in encouraging variety without enforcing it. He highlights that the best races are often those in which both one- and two-stop strategies are viable. This creates a situation in which drivers and teams can take calculated risks, resulting in genuine tension and unpredictability.
Recent examples from the 2024 season
Isola cites the 2024 Italian Grand Prix as an ideal example of how open strategy can produce compelling racing: Charles Leclerc won that race with a single pit stop, whereas several rivals opted for two. This difference in strategy added an extra dimension to the race as it unfolded.
Similarly, George Russell initially enjoyed great success with his one-stop plan at Spa, before being disqualified for a technical infringement unrelated to his strategy.
These cases demonstrate that the most engaging Formula 1 races tend to occur naturally when teams have multiple viable approaches available. Forcing everyone into a two-stop race could remove that organic competition.
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Potential new approaches
Despite his reservations, Isola accepts that the current situation, which is dominated by one-stop events, is not ideal either.
He has suggested an alternative version of the two-stop rule that might preserve some flexibility. Rather than mandating the use of multiple tyre compounds, the regulation could stipulate two stops and allow teams to select their preferred tyres.
In theory, this would enable strategies such as three stints on medium tyres or a mix of compounds, depending on the available tyre allocation.
“If you have the tyres for it, you could run a medium-medium-medium tyre stance,” Isola explained. This kind of freedom could restore the strategic diversity that Formula 1 fans and teams have long valued.
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However, Pirelli is cautious about “unexpected consequences”
Isola stresses that any rule changes must be approached with caution. “We should work together to avoid unexpected consequences,” he said. Formula 1 is currently enjoying one of its most competitive eras, with closely matched teams and intense championship battles. Altering the pit stop regulations could disrupt that balance unintentionally.
Isola also noted that the upcoming 2026 technical regulations could naturally improve racing dynamics. The next generation of Formula 1 cars is designed to produce less turbulent airflow, which should reduce the negative effects of ‘dirty air’ and make overtaking easier. If so, race variety may increase without the need for artificial interventions.
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Looking ahead to 2026
The overhaul of the regulations is expected to transform both the cars and the power units, potentially making the sport less dependent on tyre strategy for excitement. If aerodynamic wake and tyre degradation are reduced, teams may have more opportunities to overtake on the track, rather than relying on undercuts and pit stop timing.
However, until these regulations are implemented, Formula 1 faces a delicate balancing act. Fans and drivers are calling for more unpredictable races, yet the sport’s governing bodies must ensure that any changes maintain the sport’s competitive integrity. The two-stop rule is still under consideration, but its adoption is far from certain.
Ultimately, the debate highlights Formula 1’s constant struggle to balance sporting fairness with entertainment value. While introducing two mandatory pit stops might make the sport more unpredictable in the short term, its long-term health depends on ensuring that strategy, skill and technology continue to coexist in balance.
MORE F1 NEWS – Newey admits Aston Martin weakness which may take 2 years to fix
Adrian Newey is now considered one of the finest Formula One engineers ever to grace the sport. With 26 drivers’ and constructors’ championships under his belt, the man from Essex is legendary for his old school approach to designing an F1 car with his artist’s style easel and charcoal pencils which create the sketches which go on to dominate motor racing.
Newey left Red Bull last year after almost two decades of steering the direction of the technical team. He decided to join Aston Martin after team owner Lawrence Stroll offered him complete control over all matters technical and a wedge of equity in the iconic British Racing marque.
He has been tasked primarily with creating a competitive 2026 car for the Silverstone based team and with the arrival of Honda as a ‘works’ partner, Aston Martin are tipped to be one of the top teams when the cars hit the track in January.
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There has been over £200m invested in the infrastructure of Aston Martin, with state of the art facilities now complete, together with a new wind tunnel and modelling software which the team expect to export the the max.
In the 21st century world of F1 where time is no one’s friend, Newey remains faithful to his principals which include examining his rivals creation’s in person. F1 “spy photography” has been a huge business for more than a decade, with team’s employing dedicated photographers to take pictures ion their rivals racing prototype to discover the secrets locked away.
Yet despite this technology, Adrian Newey prefers the ways of old. Whilst he’s not been at many of the races this season, he is infamous for his ‘grid prowl’ before the start of the Grand Prix. He wanders amongst the rival racing prototypes with his clipboard and pencil in hand. Now Newey reveals the reason for his actions on Grand Prix Sunday and addresses the matter of the teams investing in spy photography…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
