Verstappen cautious on two-stop mandate amid 2026 ‘unknowns’

Max Verstappen says Formula 1’s proposed two-pitstop mandate for 2026 might make racing more exciting – but warns the sport is already heading into “a lot of unknowns” with its next-generation cars and engines.

The FIA is considering introducing a rule that would force drivers to stop twice during a Grand Prix in a bid to revive on-track strategy after seasons dominated by one-stop races.

Tyre supplier Pirelli is supportive of the idea, with racing boss Mario Isola suggesting it could reintroduce tactical variety to Sunday’s proceedings.

“The best races are the ones in which the two-stop has an advantage, but someone brave can still try a different strategy,” said Isola, quoted by Motorsport.com.

“We had a good example of that in Monza last year, when Charles [Leclerc] was able to win on one stop and others were on two stops. It was like that in Spa with George [Russell] as well, but unfortunately, this doesn't happen every time.”

The aim is to add jeopardy and unpredictability to race day – but Verstappen, while open to the experiment, cautioned that mandated strategies could spark their own controversy.

Verstappen: A Lot of Unknowns Ahead

“Yeah, I mean, the cars again have been a bit more difficult to follow,” Verstappen said in São Paulo on Thursday. “And then in some races, when you stay within a second, the tyres overheat quite quickly and it’s quite tough to put a move on.

“Also because most of the cars are within 2-3 tenths, so then the pace advantage is not big enough unless something crazy happens with a Safety Car.

“So yeah, we’ll see. I mean, maybe, yes, it will be better if they do that.

“But for sure people will be screaming as well at the same time next year when it comes at the wrong time that you have to do a two-stop or whatever. So you will always keep that.

“But again, also next year there are so many question marks in general about the car engine anyway, besides forcing a two-stop, let’s say like that. So a lot of unknowns.”

In short, Verstappen welcomes innovation but doubts whether pit strategy alone can fix the difficulty of overtaking in modern F1.

Russell Adds Technical Context

Mercedes’ George Russell echoed that sentiment, saying the idea would only work if tyre compounds are softer and degrade more quickly.

“I think it then needs to be coupled with softer tyres,” the Brtion explained. “If the tyres are still not degrading and it’s easy to do a two-stop, then you’re still not going to see that. We call it like a tyre delta.

“So, you’ve got a delta between the pace of the cars and then when it’s coupled with a tyre delta, that’s when you see the overtakes.

“But if there’s no tyre delta, it doesn’t matter if you do a two-stop, three-stop, one-stop, you probably won’t overtake.”

With sweeping rule changes looming in 2026 – from new hybrid engines to lighter, more efficient chassis – the FIA’s proposed pitstop twist adds yet another layer to the uncertainty. And as Verstappen puts it, that future is full of “a lot of unknowns.”

Read also: Verstappen relishing ‘no pressure’ underdog role in F1 title fight

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