Breaking News! F1 Drivers Forced to Make at Least Two Stops in Monaco: FIA Introduces New Rules to Spice Up ..

**F1 Drivers Forced to Make at Least Two Stops in Monaco: FIA Introduces New Rules to Spice Up the Race**

**Monaco, May 26, 2025** – In a dramatic move to shake up one of the most processional races on the Formula 1 calendar, the FIA has introduced a new regulation mandating that all drivers make at least two pit stops during the Monaco Grand Prix. The decision, announced ahead of this year’s race weekend, is aimed at increasing overtaking opportunities and adding an extra layer of strategic complexity to the prestigious event.

 

### **The Reasoning Behind the Change**

 

The Monaco Grand Prix is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the F1 calendar, but in recent years, the tight and narrow circuit has led to a lack of on-track action. Overtaking in Monaco is notoriously difficult, with track position often dictating race results. The FIA’s new mandate is designed to introduce a greater variation in strategies, forcing teams to rethink their race approach and potentially creating more excitement for fans.

 

“The Monaco Grand Prix has always been a spectacle, but we recognize that it has sometimes lacked the level of excitement seen at other circuits,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “By requiring two pit stops, we aim to introduce more unpredictability and ensure that tire strategies play a crucial role in determining the outcome.”

 

### **Impact on Strategy and Teams**

 

Traditionally, the Monaco GP has been a one-stop race, with teams prioritizing tire longevity and track position over aggressive strategies. However, with a compulsory second stop, teams must now balance tire performance with the risk of losing time in the pits.

 

Pirelli, the official tire supplier for Formula 1, has indicated that the new rule will add an element of uncertainty, especially given the low tire degradation on Monaco’s street circuit. “This change means teams may need to adopt more aggressive setups and potentially explore different tire compounds to maximize their race potential,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Head of Motorsport.

 

Top teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari are expected to alter their usual conservative approaches, potentially leading to varied strategies that could bring midfield teams into contention. Undercuts and overcuts will become more prominent, with teams having to decide whether to pit early to gain track position or stay out longer and take advantage of fresher rubber later in the race.

 

### **Drivers’ Reactions**

 

The new rule has received mixed reactions from drivers. While some welcome the added challenge, others believe it could make Monaco even more chaotic.

 

“Monaco is already one of the most difficult races of the season, so this will make it even trickier,” said defending world champion Max Verstappen. “It will be interesting to see how teams play it, but ultimately, I think overtaking will still be tough.”

 

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton echoed similar sentiments but saw potential benefits. “It’s a bold change, and I’m curious to see how it plays out. Hopefully, it creates more opportunities and a bit more drama, which is what Monaco needs.”

 

On the other hand, McLaren’s Lando Norris expressed concerns over potential traffic issues, with more pit stops increasing the chances of cars getting stuck behind slower competitors. “I can see why they’re doing it, but it might just lead to more frustration rather than more overtaking.”

 

### **Potential Race-Day Scenarios**

 

The introduction of mandatory two-stop strategies could lead to several possible race scenarios:

 

1. **An Early Safety Car Shake-Up:** Given Monaco’s tight nature, early incidents often lead to Safety Car deployments. Teams may opt to make an early pit stop under caution, shaking up traditional strategies.

2. **Aggressive Undercuts and Overcuts:** Some drivers might pit early to undercut rivals, while others could stay out longer and benefit from fresher tires later in the race.

3. **Midfield Surprises:** With top teams having to pit twice, midfield runners who manage their stops efficiently could find themselves in podium contention.

 

### **A New Era for Monaco?**

 

While the two-stop rule is being trialed this year, its success could dictate whether it becomes a permanent fixture. The FIA has indicated that it will evaluate fan and team feedback after the race before making further decisions.

 

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix now promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Whether this rule change will truly enhance the excitement of the race remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: strategy will be more critical t

han ever on the streets of Monte Carlo.