Refinements to 2026 regulations discussed in latest Formula 1 commission meeting

The fourth and final meeting of the Formula 1 Commission in 2025 took place on Friday, with key topics discussed including refinements to the 2026 regulations.

Chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, the meeting was held at the FIA offices in London.

Following a discussion during 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, and it was decided that talks on this topic would continue after the first few races of 2026.

Other topics discussed included changes to Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR), which are being developed to bring Formula 1 into line with contemporary processing and simulation technology while being mindful of cost considerations.

Following discussions with the Technical Advisory Committee, the topic of a minimum surface requirement limit for car liveries in 2026 was also discussed.

It was agreed by Commission representatives that a minimum of 55% of surface area 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.

Another topic during the meeting was the potential mandating of the Driving Cooling System (DCS) for 2026. 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).