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The debate over two mandatory pit stops has returned as Formula 1 looks toward 2026. Pirelli says it is “open-minded” about the idea, arguing that it could make races more exciting. Critics fear artificial drama, but behind the numbers lies a deeper strategic shift. If overtaking soon depends more on energy management than DRS, extra stops could actually enrich the racing rather than ruin it.
Why the idea is back
This season, fans and drivers alike have complained about the lack of strategic variety. Most Grands Prix have turned into predictable one-stoppers, a result of durable tyres and minimal compound differences. Pirelli boss Mario Isola openly acknowledged the issue: “We are open to formats that create more action. Two mandatory stops is one option, but not a rule.”
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The proposal comes just as the 2026 regulations take shape. With reduced downforce, lower drag and a larger share of hybrid energy, overtaking will depend less on top speed and more on precision. More pit stops could therefore inject new variables into a sport that risks becoming too efficient for its own good.
How strategy would change
Requiring two stops transforms the arithmetic. Teams must plan three stints instead of two, automatically shortening runs and increasing overlap in strategies. That raises the chance of tyre-offset battles on track.
Simulations from tracks like Interlagos and Zandvoort suggest a mandatory second stop would shorten average stints by 20 to 25 percent. Shorter runs mean hotter tyres, quicker degradation and wider pace variation between cars.
The undercut would also return as a weapon. Right now, many teams stay out too long to protect track position. In a two-stop era, early stoppers could gain two or three seconds of advantage, forcing rivals into bolder calls.
The link to 2026 technology
The concept aligns neatly with the FIA’s coming innovations: Manual Override and active aerodynamics. Without DRS, races will depend on how smartly drivers deploy energy and manage tyres. Two compulsory stops could restore balance between aggression and endurance, letting drivers push harder without fearing total tyre collapse.
Pirelli insiders hint that it could even justify wider performance gaps between compounds. “If we know teams will make two stops, we can make tyres that trade longevity for grip,” one engineer said. “That’s better for racing and fairer for everyone.”
What fans would see
For spectators, the change would mean more strategic intrigue and less predictability. Three-stint races generate dynamic storylines: undercuts, split strategies and higher pit-crew pressure. Where one-stoppers often settle into rhythm, two-stoppers force constant decisions.
Whether the FIA adopts the rule will be decided in 2025, but the discussion shows the sport is finally addressing its core question: how to keep the chess match alive without turning it into theatre. The best solution might be the simplest—give teams more reasons to think, and fans more to watch.
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