Overview
- The FIA World Motor Sport Council has deleted Monaco’s three-tyre clause from the 2026 sporting regulations, ending the mandatory two-stop requirement.
- The 2025 trial led teams to back up the pack to open pit windows, producing processional racing and drawing public criticism from drivers and team personnel.
- Q3 will run for 13 minutes in 2026, with the break between Q2 and Q3 reduced to seven minutes to improve session flow.
- With Cadillac’s entry creating a 22-car grid, six drivers will now be eliminated in both Q1 and Q2 under existing provisions, keeping 10 cars in Q3.
- Separately, the FIA has proposed higher-temperature power-unit compression tests for later in 2026, pending technical approval.