Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is championing a potential shake-up for the Monaco Grand Prix, suggesting that a new rule mandating two pit stops could breathe life into the iconic race. While the proposal awaits official approval, Horner believes it’s a step toward addressing the event’s reputation for lackluster Sundays, despite its undeniable allure as a tight, challenging street circuit.
Horner emphasized that the Circuit de Monaco’s fixed layout and the ever-widening F1 cars have made overtaking a rarity, cementing qualifying as the weekend’s defining moment. “Saturday determines everything,” he said, reflecting on how last year’s race became a procession after drivers swapped tires during a stoppage. “It’s the end of the race right there,” he added. For Horner, the traditional one-stop strategy has turned Monaco into a predictable affair, often leaving fans wanting more.
The F1 Commission’s idea to enforce two mandatory stops, requiring teams to use all three tire compounds, is one Horner sees as a modest but meaningful tweak. “It’s not a massive change, but it adds another dynamic,” he explained. “Even if it rains, you’d still need two stops. It’s a little artificial, sure, but it could pull Monaco away from being the stagnant, boring race it can often be.”
Horner’s vision is clear: break the monotony and give teams more strategic cards to play. While he acknowledges the circuit’s constraints won’t budge, he views the rule as a practical move to inject variety into a Grand Prix that’s as famous for its prestige as it is infamous for its lack of on-track battles. As discussions continue, Horner’s stance signals a push for evolution at one of motorsport’s most storied venues.
