FIA Approves 55% Paint Coverage for 2026 F1 Cars

The FIA's Formula One Commission approved new regulations on Friday requiring teams to cover at least 55 percent of their cars' surface area with paint or stickers starting in 2026, aiming to reduce the use of bare carbon fiber and improve visual distinction among vehicles. The decision came during a meeting in London, where officials addressed concerns over teams stripping paint to save weight, a practice that has made recent car liveries appear increasingly uniform and subdued.

The rule specifies that, when viewed from the side or above, a minimum of 55 percent of the car's surface must be covered by painted or stickered liveries rather than exposed carbon fiber. Officials stated that the objective is to enhance differentiation between cars on the track. This measure follows discussions with the Technical Advisory Committee and responds to trends observed since the 2022 technical regulations, when teams aggressively reduced weight to meet minimum limits amid new aerodynamic and power unit rules. With the minimum car weight set to decrease again for 2026 alongside major updates to engines and chassis, the FIA acted to prevent a recurrence of those bare designs.