Verstappen Cautious on 2026 Two-Stop Mandate Amid 'Unknowns'

Max Verstappen acknowledges that Formula 1's proposed two-pitstop mandate for 2026 might boost race excitement but warns that the sport is already navigating "a lot of unknowns" with its upcoming cars and engines. The FIA is considering this rule to revive on-track strategy, a shift from recent seasons dominated by single-stop races.

Why it matters:

After seasons where one-stop races have become the norm, the FIA's proposal aims to inject unpredictability and strategic depth back into Grand Prix Sundays. However, implementing such a mandate without fully understanding the impact of sweeping 2026 technical regulations – including new hybrid engines and revised chassis designs – could create unforeseen challenges and spark controversy among teams and drivers.

The details:

• FIA Proposal: The governing body is evaluating a rule that would compel drivers to make two pitstops during a Grand Prix to increase strategic variety and on-track action.
• Pirelli's Stance: Tyre supplier Pirelli supports the idea, with racing boss Mario Isola suggesting it could reintroduce tactical diversity. He cited successful examples like the 2022 Monza race where Charles Leclerc won on a one-stop while others opted for two, highlighting the potential for varied strategies.
• Verstappen's Perspective: While open to experimentation, Verstappen expressed concern about mandating strategies, fearing it could lead to complaints when a two-stop strategy proves disadvantageous. He emphasized the significant uncertainties surrounding the 2026 car and engine regulations, suggesting that forced pitstops add another layer of complexity.
• Overtaking Challenges: Verstappen believes pit strategy alone might not solve the core issue of difficulty in overtaking in modern F1, where cars are hard to follow closely and tire overheating limits opportunities, especially when cars are closely matched in pace.
• Russell's Technical Input: Mercedes driver George Russell echoed Verstappen's skepticism, arguing that a two-stop mandate would only be effective if paired with softer, faster-degrading tires. He explained that a "tire delta" – a significant difference in tire performance – is crucial for generating overtakes, and without it, the number of stops wouldn't matter as much.

What's next:

The 2026 season is set to bring radical changes to Formula 1, including entirely new hybrid engine regulations and a revised car concept aimed at making racing more dynamic. The proposed two-pitstop mandate is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

• The FIA will need to carefully consider how mandatory pitstops interact with the new car and engine designs to ensure they genuinely enhance racing rather than creating artificial or frustrating strategic scenarios.
• Discussions between the FIA, teams, and Pirelli will continue to refine these regulations, aiming to balance innovation with competitive integrity and fan entertainment. The ultimate goal is to create a more thrilling and unpredictable sport, but as Verstappen highlights, the path there is currently paved with "a lot of unknowns."