The Formula 1 Commission has entered discussions over increasing the number of mandatory pit stops to spice up the Monaco Grand Prix.
In contemporary F1 as the cars get longer, heavier and wider, the tight, twisting streets of the Monaco GP have delivered a dwindling spectacle.
In 2024, polesitter Charles Leclerc was able to hold up the pack from pole position to take an emotional maiden home victory, but from the outside, audiences witnessed just four overtakes on track.
A Lap 1 red flag triggered by a multi-car incident between Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez compounded matters, allowing drivers to bypass the one-stop rule whilst the race was neutralised.
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With the long-term future of the Monaco GP secured through 2031, the F1 Commission has proposed a way to enliven the race through the principality by increasing the mandatory number of pit stops beyond one.
“With the aim of promoting better racing at the Monaco Grand Prix, the commission discussed proposals for Monaco-specific regulations,” read an FIA statement.
“The commission agreed to increase the number of mandatory pit stops in the Race.
“These proposals will be further discussed by the Sporting Advisory Committee in the coming weeks.”
‘More work to be done’ revising F1 Monaco GP pit-stops
Speaking ahead of the F1 75 launch event, Aston Martin CEO and Team Principal Andy Cowell revealed that the topic of increasing pit-stops at Monaco “Was discussed, but [there was] no final agreement.”
Asked to divulge what the desirable amount of stops teams would like to see, Cowell was tight-lipped, merely saying that there’s “More work to be done, and then it’ll be announced.”
Lance Stroll was also on hand to give his take on the situation and the Canadian was adamant that something has to change to enliven the Monaco spectacle.
Whether that change is the number of pit stops, Stroll wasn’t sure.
“I think everyone wants to see some more overtaking,” Stroll said.
“I don’t know if it’s a good type of solution, but some track changes if possible.
“It’s definitely a little bit dull to watch.”
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