Max Verstappen calls for changes to Monaco’s track layout to boost overtaking, as the current setup leads to processional races lacking excitement.
Max Verstappen has expressed support for potential changes to the Monaco Grand Prix circuit amid what he described as a “non-race” due to its processional nature.
For the first time in F1 history, the entire top 10 remained unchanged from lights out to the chequered flag, with Verstappen finishing in sixth place.
Verstappen and the Mercedes drivers had attempted to start on the hard compound, but a first-lap red flag allowed the field to switch positions and race to the finish.
Despite Red Bull making a pit stop to defend against a potential undercut from Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen closing in on George Russell, he was unable to overtake.
“After the red flag, our strategy was ruined because we had to put on the medium to the end as everyone had a free stop, which meant we had to save a lot,” Verstappen said.
“It’s quite boring, driving at half-throttle on the straights in some places, with a higher gear than usual and four seconds behind, so it’s not really racing. It was a non-race.”
Verstappen insists that Monaco should remain on the F1 calendar, but the reigning champion admitted that revisions to improve overtaking should be considered.
“I’d first like to try, if there are possibilities, to change a few things. Because it would make the excitement even better. Overall, the weekend is really cool, it’s just that Sunday is a bit boring, unfortunately, but the setting is always superb.”
“If we can find a way to race a bit better, why not? That would be my preferred solution.”
Regarding potential modifications to the unique circuit layout, Verstappen added, “Yes, changes would be needed, because you can’t pass at the moment. If they ask for my opinion, I’ll try to see what’s possible, maybe change the layout and use different streets, but that will depend on the streets you take.”
Christian Horner, Verstappen’s team principal at Red Bull, admits: “It’s no longer a race when you slow down by three or four seconds because the other car has no chance to overtake. Maybe mandatory pit stops should be imposed.”
Verstappen then jokingly added, “Or mandatory naps! The hardest part of the race was that after 20 laps, I really needed to use the bathroom.”
F1 veteran Fernando Alonso believes the situation was triggered by the rule allowing drivers to change tires during a red flag.
“The only interesting point in the Monaco race is the pit stops. So we lost that. If the rules compromise the race so much on certain circuits, we might need to reopen the debate on this.”
“Today’s cars are also the worst for Monaco: bigger, heavier. F2 always has an overtaking option. And our tires are too hard for Monaco.”
Mandatory Stops Needed, Says Horner. Mandatory Stops Needed, Says Horner
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