Formula 1 is considering changes to the Monaco Grand Prix by introducing a requirement for drivers to make at least two pit stops during the race around the streets of the glamourous Mediterranean principality.
The historic race, first run in 1929, has faced growing criticism in recent years due to the difficulty of overtaking on the tight street circuit, leading to concerns that it has become too processional. Essentially whoever took pole position in qualifying, won the race if their car was reliable and they didn’t make any mistakes.
Indeed, detailed research into the average number of overtakes at various grand prix circuits’ shows just how Monaco trails far behind every other track on the calendar.
While the Brazilian, Bahrain and British Grands Prix all typically see in excess of 60 overtakes per race, the number of successful overtake attempts at Monaco is often in single figures.
No real racing around the streets
Last year’s Monaco Grand Prix seemingly brought the situation to a head, as a red flag on the opening lap rendered further pit stops unnecessary. The pace slowed, as drivers attempted to preserve their tyres for the entirety of the race, and that ultimately resulted in the top 10 positions remaining unchanged from start to finish.
“They should come up with some new formula for it rather than it just be the same,” said Lewis Hamilton who was just one of the drivers who was critical in the aftermath of the race. “Do you guys not fall asleep on Sunday watching the race? The cars are getting bigger. You can’t really overtake without the risk of colliding.”
Lando Norris was in agreement, adding, “To overtake it’s almost impossible.”
And after further criticism from fans and drivers alike, it appears that the authorities have finally decided that we’ve seen enough to trigger some sort of change.
New rules on the way
Last week, after a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission in London, a statement confirmed that an agreement had been reached between team bosses and the FIA to increase the number of mandatory pit stops. The Commission agreed to increase the numbers of mandatory pit stops in the Race. These proposals will be further discussed by the Sporting Advisory Committee in the coming weeks.
Sources suggest the plan involves mandating at least two pit stops per driver, with the use of all three tyre compounds during the race. In wet conditions, the two-stop rule would still apply, though teams would have greater flexibility in tyre selection.
Whether the proposed changes actually have the desired effect remains to be seen, but fans should be excited by the prospect of more real racing and possible overtaking at future Monaco Grands Prix.
