Williams boss James Vowles has called on the FIA to explain why the Monaco two-stop rule has been reintroduced, arguing it encourages Formula 1 teams to exploit loopholes and “gain the system” rather than race fairly for points.
He made the comments after the British outfit followed other teams in exploiting the rule during this year’s Monaco Grand Prix – a strategy he later admitted left him feeling “uncomfortable”.
To inject more excitement into the 2025 edition of the historic race, the FIA reintroduced a mandatory two-stop rule, a strategic twist designed to spice up the racing.
In practice, however, the rule backfired. Rather than promoting on-track action, it led to teams such as Racing Bulls, Williams, and Mercedes engaging in tactical games.
Racing Bulls were first to exploit the format, using Liam Lawson to slow the pack behind him and create a pit window for team-mate Isack Hadjar, allowing the Frenchman to complete a mandatory stop without losing track position.
In response, and frustrated by being on the receiving end of such tactics, Williams followed suit in a bid to secure valuable points. Mercedes then did the same to salvage its race after a difficult qualifying.
However, the FIA, despite widespread criticism, adopted the rule once again when it published its 2026 sporting regulations on 31 July 2025.
Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Vowles admitted he had no idea why the rule had been reintroduced.
“Good question – it wasn’t actually discussed in the F1 Commission,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
When pressed on whether the FIA had taken the decision independently, Vowles stopped short of assigning blame, but he made clear he intended to find answers.
“That wasn’t what I said, either” he added. “I hope it comes up in a conversation coming up.
“I have a meeting this afternoon with Nicholas [Tombazis, FIA single seater director] where I want to discuss exactly that as a topic – of where did this get discussed and [then] I’ll be sure.”
Vowles reflects on Monaco’s controversial two-stop rule
The mandatory two-stop rule at Monaco drew a negative reaction from drivers and team bosses alike, questioning its impact on the spectacle.
Many felt the strategy-heavy approach led to less genuine racing and more gamesmanship – George Russell slamming the “flawed” format that failed to deliver after the race.
Asked if anything should be done to stop every team doing what Williams did at Monaco next year, Vowles responded: “For clarity, we weren’t the first to do it.
“I had to do it in reaction to the field. I didn’t like it. It’s the most uncomfortable I’ve felt.
“I like going out there and fighting for points on merit rather than having to gain the system in order to achieve it.
“I still maintain, however, by the time it got to us, and I waited as long as we could in the race until there’s just one point remaining, that at that point you have got to think of the championship and take a point.
“I think the arguments that are being made are, was it a better show? Irrespective of that. I can’t answer that question.
“I think that’s for the fans to answer. My personal opinion is I don’t like the lack of clean racing that occurs as a result of it.”
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