Talks are set to continue between F1, grand prix teams, and the FIA after a meeting of the F1 Commission did not agree on whether to mandate two pit-stops in races.
In a bid to try and enliven F1 races, the idea of mandating a two-stop strategy for every driver had been raised as a way to combat the growing rise in simple one-stoppers.
The topic was set to feature heavily in a meeting of the F1 Commission in London, where all 10 teams, Pirelli, F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali and FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis were in attendance.
Discussions in the meeting focused on feedback and analysis and simulations from Pirelli and the teams, but according to a statement, "no changes were presently agreed."
The options debated focused on adjustments to the tyre specifications, tyre-life limits and the use of all three dry weather compounds Pirelli bring to every race.
The statement added that: "it was agreed that talks on this topic would continue during the 2026 season."
It is therefore extremely unlikely that a mandatory two-stop strategy, except in Monaco, will be adopted during the 2026 season, meaning it could be introduced for 2027 at the earliest.
Elsewhere, the Commission also discussed other topics, including the Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR), and car liveries and driver numbers.
For the ATR, "changes are being developed to bring Formula 1 in line with contemporary processing simulation technology while mindful of cost considerations."
Following talks with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), the topic of a "minimum surface requirement limit" for 2026 liveries was discussed.
The representatives on the Commission agreed that 55% of surface area, when viewed from the side and above, "must be covered by painted or stickered liveries as opposed to bare carbon fibre surfaces."
It is hoped that this move will increase the visual differences between cars after a number of teams did not paint their cars fully in a bid to save weight.
As for driver numbers, changes to the permanent numbering system introduced in 2014 were discussed.
Currently, drivers select their race number between #2-#99, except for #17, with #1 reserved for the world champion, with their usual race number, #33 in the case of Max Verstappen, being frozen for their time using the #1.
A proposal for drivers to change their permanent number during their career was agreed.
Another topic discussed was the driver cooling system currently being developed and set for mandatory introduction in 2026, with the system being mandated in Singapore and the United States after a heat hazard was declared, although drivers who did not actively use the system were forced to still have it fitted to their cars.
Redesigns to the current cooling system were proposed, along with an increased overall car weight to compensate for running the system. Further talks are planned with the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA).
All changes are subject to formal approval from the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), with the next meeting of the body set to be on December 10th.
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