A radical shake-up could be on the cards for this year’s Monaco Grand Prix as Formula 1 considers new measures to inject excitement into the historic race. The FIA confirmed on Tuesday, February 18 that discussions are underway to increase the number of mandatory pit stops in a bid to create more strategic variation and shake up the often processional event.
The move follows mounting criticism of the Monte Carlo spectacle, with last year’s edition offering little in the way of overtaking. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who found himself stuck in sixth place for the entirety of the race, famously quipped over team radio: “F*** me, this is really boring… I should’ve brought my pillow.” Fellow champion Lewis Hamilton echoed the sentiment, lamenting the slow pace and lack of action, while fans and pundits questioned whether the glitzy Monaco setting was still enough to justify the lack of wheel-to-wheel racing.
At a meeting of the F1 Commission in London, officials agreed in principle to enforce more pit stops, though specific details remain under discussion. An FIA statement confirmed that the Sporting Advisory Committee will further evaluate the proposals in the coming weeks.
Last year’s race saw home hero Charles Leclerc take a long-awaited home victory, but an early red flag all but locked in the finishing order as drivers changed tyres without losing position. With just a single DRS zone and notoriously tight corners, Monaco’s unique layout leaves little room for traditional overtaking battles, forcing F1 to explore alternative ways to spice up the race.
As the motorsport world awaits a final decision, all eyes will be on the Monaco Grand Prix weekend from May 23-25 to see whether the new rules—if implemented—can transform the prestigious event from a high-speed procession into a contest.
Image courtesy of Visit Monaco
