The FIA shared details of latest F1 Commission meet, which deliberated on two-stops, ATR, liveries/driver numbers, driver cooling and more.
The latest round of F1 Commission meet dealt with further changes made to the 2026 FIA Technical, Sporting, Financial and Operational regulations, which will be presented for approval at the World Motor Sport Council in their meet on December 10 of 2025.
A discussion on mandatory two-stop was discussed after simulation and feedback from the F1 teams and Pirelli, but no changes was agreed to start the 2026 season. The discussion, however, will continue next year if it can be implemented in the future.
Additionally they are mulling changes to Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR) to suit the current situation and cost scene. In terms of the F1 care liveries, the Commission agreed to have a minimum of 55% of surface area to be covered when viewed from the side and above.
This is to stop teams from being identical and using carbon fibre to gain that extra bit on performance by using less paint. Also, the Commission agreed on the proposal that F1 drivers can change their permanent number if they want to in their career.
As for the Driver Cooling System and potential changes, the FIA will continue discussion around its mandate and weight increase for those not using it. They will discuss with GPDA and the drivers, as they went through re-designs of the current garment in use.
Here’s the note from FIA –
Updates to the Technical, Sporting, Financial and Operational Regulations -2026 Technical and Sporting Regulations:
Following discussion at the meeting, a raft of refinements to the 2026 Technical, Sporting, Financial and Operational Regulations will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council on December 10.
A proposal to explore mandatory two pit stops for grands prix was discussed along with adjustments to tyre specifications, tyre-life limits and the use of three compounds during the race. The discussion centred on feedback on analysis and simulations from teams and Pirelli. No changes were presently agreed, but it was agreed that talks on this topic would continue during the 2026 season.
Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR)
Changes to Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR) are being developed to bring Formula 1 into line with contemporary processing and simulation technology while mindful of cost considerations.
Car liveries and driver numbers
Following discussions with the Technical Advisory Committee, the topic of a minimum surface requirement limit for car liveries in 2026 was discussed. It was agreed by Commission representatives that a minimum of 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. The objective of this measure is to increase visual differentiation between cars. Changes to the regulation on permanent competition numbers for drivers, introduced for the 2014 season, were discussed. It was agreed that a proposal for drivers to change their numbers during their career would be permitted.
Driving Cooling System
The potential mandating of the Driving Cooling System (DCS) for 2026 was discussed. Re-designs to the current DCS and cooling garments were proposed along with an increased weight allowance for use of the DCS. Further driver feedback will be sought in parallel with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA).
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