F1 to retain controversial two-stop rule for 2026 Monaco GP

The controversial rule mandating at least two pit stops during the Monaco Grand Prix has been maintained in the latest version of the 2026 Formula 1 sporting regulations, despite criticism from teams and drivers alike.

Introduced for the first time this year, the much debated rue - formally article 6.36 - requires each driver to use at least three different sets of tyres during the race. The aim was to inject excitement into what has often been regarded as the most processional race on the calendar due to the tight, narrow layout of the historic street circuit.

But the strategy backfired last May. Rather than increasing overtaking or on-track drama, teams resorted to questionable tactics, including deliberately slowing one car to help the other gain track position through the pit stop phase.

One notable example came from Williams, where Alex Albon slowed significantly to help teammate Carlos Sainz complete a stop without losing position – to the detriment of Mercedes rival George Russell.

After the race, the Briton was candid in his disapproval of the ploy exploited by Williams.

"We definitely need to have a real think about what the solution is here in Monaco," Russell said. "I appreciate trying something this year for two stops, but clearly it did not work at all."

Williams Boss: "The Most Uncomfortable I've Felt"

Williams team principal James Vowles defended his team’s use of the strategy but admitted the ethical discomfort it caused.

Vowles revealed that the decision to use such tactics was not pre-planned, but a necessary reaction to the evolving dynamics of the race.

"For clarity, we weren't the first to do it [in the race]," Vowles explained in Hungary last weekend. "I had to do it in reaction to the field, and I didn't like it.

"It's the most uncomfortable I've felt. I like going out there and fighting for points on merit rather than having to game the system in order to achieve it.

"I still maintain, however, by the time it got to us – and I waited as long as we could in the race until there was just one point remaining – at that point you've got to consider the championship and taking points.

"I think the arguments that are being made, was it a better show or was it better? I can't answer that question, I think that's for the fans to answer.

"My personal feeling is I don't like the lack of clean racing that occurs as a result of it."

Lack of Consultation Raises Concerns

According to Vowles, the continuation of the two-stop requirement in the 2026 regulations was not discussed by the Commission, the body comprising representatives from all ten teams.

He expressed concern about the lack of dialogue and said he intends to raise the matter directly with FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis.

Read also:

• Vowles: Williams and Sainz united in frustration after luckless run

With the rule now codified for 2026, it remains to be seen whether pressure from teams and drivers will lead to a re-evaluation before the Monaco Grand Prix rolls around again.

For now, however, F1’s governing body appears committed to its experiment—despite mounting evidence that it may be doing more harm than good.

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