The fourth and final meeting of the Formula 1 Commission for 2025 took place on November 14 at the FIA offices in London, chaired by Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula One Management (FOM).

While no rule changes were immediately approved, the Commission gave the green light to submit a series of refinements to the 2026 Technical, Sporting, Financial, and Operational Regulations to the World Motor Sport Council on December 10.

The FIA logo is displayed during the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Netherlands.

(Photo by Gabriele Lanzo/Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

According to the FIA's official media statement, the topics discussed included:

  • A proposal to explore mandatory two pit stops for Grands Prix, along with adjustments to tire specifications, tire-life limits, and the use of three compounds during races.  
  • Development of changes to the Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions (ATR), aligning with new simulation technologies and cost-cutting goals.  
  • New rules on car liveries: Starting in 2026, F1 teams will be required to ensure that at least 55% of each car’s visible surface area, from both side and top views, is painted or covered with stickers instead of bare carbon fibre.
  • The Commission also reviewed the rules on permanent driver numbers, which have been in place since 2014. It agreed to move forward with a proposal that would allow drivers to change their racing numbers during their careers.
  • A discussion on the potential mandatory Driving Cooling System (DCS) and associated driver-garment changes for 2026.  

What This Means for Vegas and Beyond

While the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix delivers its “Fuel the Magic” spectacle for fans through the Disney collaboration, teams now have a clearer sense of the regulatory direction for 2026.

The Sphere is seen in the background as drivers compete in the First Practice Session Classification for Formula 1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 21, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

(Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The mandatory two-stop trial and tire-related tweaks suggest the FIA is seeking to increase strategic variability and elevate spectacle within the sport. At the same time, changes to ATR and livery rules signal that cost-control and visual branding are rising priorities.

While all regulatory changes are subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), the agenda sets the stage for a more aggressive development cycle in the new era.

As teams prepare cars for the final stretch of the 2025 F1 season under the current regulations, they must now balance performance, compliance, and marketing appeal.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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