Special Monaco rule disappears for the 2026 Formula 1 season

During the previous season, a single pit stop was mandatory at every Grand Prix, except for Monte-Carlo, where the minimum limit was two stops.

That rule is no longer in effect. It is now clear from Issue 5 of the 2026 sporting regulations, which was approved by the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) last Friday.

During the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, the new rule hardly made the race more interesting. Two teams figured out how to take advantage of the new rules, as both Racing Bulls and Williams used one car to back up the rest of the grid until the other could complete the mandatory stops.

Once George Russell had grown tired of running slowly behind Alexander Albon, the Mercedes driver cut the Nouvelle Chicane to gain a position. As a result, he received a drive-through penalty. Later, Albon compensated Russell with an expensive dinner.