Formula 1 drivers face a strategic shake-up at the Monaco GP as a mandatory two-stop rule adds unpredictability, risk, and racing drama.
Formula 1 drivers are eager to see how the new two-pit-stop rule will impact the Monaco Grand Prix. This race could turn into a real lottery, or even become completely chaotic.
Monaco Strategy Shaken by Rule
For the first time in the history of this iconic street race, and one year after the particularly eventful 2024 edition where a red flag on the opening lap allowed competitors to make their single mandatory tire change, all drivers are now required to run three different tire compounds during this 78-lap race.
This means that, in the absence of a red flag, drivers will have to make two pit stops to change tires.
However, in a sport where pre-weekend simulations often dictate strategy, real uncertainties loom over Monaco, and a risk-taking driver could come out on top.
Two Stops Could Change Everything
“I suppose it can go both ways: everything can be straightforward, or it can become completely crazy due to Safety Cars or poor decisions on pit stops,” comments Max Verstappen.
“I think it will spice things up, probably a bit more. Normally, after one stop, once everything is set and running smoothly, you just go to the end. You just need to stay focused and avoid hitting the barrier.”
“But maybe with two stops, it can create something different. People will gamble, guessing the right moment to pit. So I hope it adds a bit more spice to the race.”
While overtaking on Monaco’s narrow, winding urban layout has always been difficult, the current generation of wide cars has made it even more challenging for drivers. This has made qualifying position crucial for the Grand Prix, with the top 10 finishing in the same order they started last year.
Two Stops Make Monaco Unpredictable
“Qualifying will be less crucial this year,” says Williams driver Carlos Sainz.
“There’s a lottery aspect with the two pit stops that we’ll have to watch, because it will create surprises, especially in terms of strategy. Recently, Monaco has been too processional, which is probably why they introduced the two-stop rule.”
“The most important things are qualifying and then managing the race. We’ll see if it doesn’t become too much of a lottery.”
Two Stops Give Sunday Hope
Fernando Alonso, a two-time Monaco winner who is still chasing his first points of the season with Aston Martin, concluded: “Certainly, the two stops will give us hope after Saturday night.”
“Normally in Monaco, after qualifying, everything is locked in for the weekend and there’s not much you can do on Sunday. Now, you can get lucky or choose the right moment to stop and hope to gain positions. I hope we see something interesting on Sunday.”
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