Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, has introduced a significant rule change for the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, mandating a minimum of two pit stops during the race. The move is designed to counter the often processional nature of the prestigious event and add a new level of strategic complexity to the tight and twisty streets of Monte Carlo.
For seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, however, this development is not just a random change in the rules – it is the realisation of an idea he has been advocating for years. The British driver claims he has long pushed for this change, believing it to be the key to making the Monaco Grand Prix more engaging.
Huge F1 row over cheating brewing
Hamilton: “It was my idea”
Hamilton did not hold back when discussing the rule change after pre-season testing in Bahrain. “I’m pretty sure it was my idea anyway,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Express. “If you look at the minutes of the last few years, I’ve been mentioning the two stops for years.”
The Mercedes driver has often been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the nature of racing at Monaco. While the Grand Prix remains one of the most glamorous and prestigious events on the F1 calendar, it has frequently been criticised for its lack of overtaking opportunities and the processional racing that often results.
“I think Monaco has to be at least a two-stop race,” Hamilton insisted. “The one-stop strategy has never been very good. The Grand Prix is an incredible event, but the race itself… with more than one pit stop there could be more to it”.
Hamilton grim hopes as Mercedes revel in their progress
A necessary shake-up for Monaco
Monaco has always been a unique challenge for teams and drivers. The narrow streets, tight corners and short straights make overtaking almost impossible, meaning that qualifying is often the most important part of the weekend. Once a driver secures pole position, they stand a strong chance of leading the race from start to finish, barring any unexpected incidents.
In previous years, race strategy was relatively straightforward – drivers could manage their tyres for a single pit stop, often turning the event into a tyre-saving marathon rather than an all-out battle for position. The new rule requiring two pit stops, combined with the mandate to use at least three different sets of tyres, is designed to introduce an additional layer of strategy, forcing teams to make critical decisions about tyre management, timing and race execution.
The FIA Sports Council confirmed the decision earlier this week, stating that the aim was to create a “strategic reorientation of the iconic race”.
The rule change was officially approved on Wednesday and will come into effect for this year’s Monaco Grand Prix on 25 May.
Revealed: McLaren trick part that others can’t copy
Verstappen’s frustration: “Should have brought a pillow”
While Hamilton has been vocal in his support for the change, reigning world champion Max Verstappen has previously expressed his frustration with the processional nature of Monaco. After last year’s race, which featured minimal on-track action, Verstappen joked over the team radio that he wished he had brought a pillow with him in the car to make the experience more comfortable.
The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix had the potential to suffer the same fate as previous editions, with teams taking advantage of early safety cars or red flags to change tyres and effectively eliminate the need for further pit stops. This approach often resulted in uneventful races, with position changes being the result of pit stop errors or retirements rather than actual on-track battles.
With the new rule in place, such scenarios should be less likely as teams will be forced to pit at least twice, shaking up the order and potentially creating more opportunities for drivers to fight for position.
FIA to expand F1 weekend stewards panel
Will the rule change solve Monaco’s problems?
Despite his support for the change, Hamilton remains cautious about its overall impact. “It’s not going to solve everything,” he admitted. “We’ll still see some of the problems – like not being able to overtake – but I think it will make it more exciting. So yes, I’m in favour of it.”
Many in the paddock share his cautious optimism. While the mandatory two-stop rule is expected to add a new layer of strategy, it does not change the fundamental nature of the Monaco layout. With overtaking still extremely difficult, drivers who qualify at the front will continue to have a significant advantage, even if they have to make additional pit stops.
Nevertheless, any step towards a more exciting Monaco Grand Prix is a welcome one for fans and drivers alike. Formula One has made a concerted effort to improve the quality of racing, with changes to regulations, circuit layouts and even discussions about alternative race formats. The Monaco two-stop rule is the latest experiment in this quest, and all eyes will be on how it plays out on 25 May.
One small step for Monaco, one giant leap for F1 strategy
Formula One has evolved rapidly in recent years, with regulatory changes aimed at increasing competition and improving entertainment value. The Monaco Grand Prix has long been seen as an outlier in terms of excitement, and while its history and prestige keep it firmly on the calendar, the race itself has often left fans wanting more.
If Hamilton’s idea proves successful, it could set a precedent for further changes to other races suffering from similar problems. Whether this new rule will completely transform the spectacle of Monaco remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – drivers, teams and fans alike will be watching closely to see if the change delivers the excitement it promises.
READ MORE – F1 shuts down huge loophole
MORE F1 NEWS – Red Bull F1 testing mystery
Red Bull created surprise in the paddock when their ‘real life’ Formula One challenger was finally revealed in Bahrain pre-season testing. The cars on display at the F175 launch event were not representative given the teams are reticent to give their competitors a look at their new concepts until the last moment.
Even to the educated eye, it seemed as though Red Bull had made few changes from their RB20 car which competed in 2024 with speculation rife they were concentrating on their 2026 all new car. In answer to this suggestion, team boss Christie Horner explained on day one of the test:
“I think that in this cycle of regulations, it’s clear that the cars have converged and they look very similar. I think probably Ferrari is a standout as probably being a differentiator, but it’s inevitable that marginal gains are going to be there every season.” ….READ ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
