F1 Drivers Sound Off on Monaco GP Two-Stop Shakeup

Formula 1 drivers are preparing for a unique challenge at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. For the first time at this circuit, new tyre rules will require each team to use three sets of tyres across two compound types, making two pit stops during the race a necessity.

This change, first announced earlier in the season, is designed to shake up the action on Monaco’s famously narrow and difficult-to-pass track. Last year, the Monaco race saw just four on-track overtakes over 78 laps, leading to criticism from fans and teams looking for more opportunities and excitement.

Reactions from drivers have been mixed as the paddock gets ready for Sunday’s main event. Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg believes the rule will make races less predictable. He said that it adds “another variability into the race” and that luck and timing could play a much larger role than in past years.

Yuki Tsunoda from Red Bull applauded the effort to spice up the event, pointing out that Monaco has been hard to overtake at and hoping the extra pit stop might provide some new opportunities.

However, both he and Williams driver Carlos Sainz noted that the change could lead to teams sacrificing one driver’s strategy to benefit another, a familiar tactic during tightly fought Grand Prix battles.

Oscar Piastri of McLaren was direct in his assessment, explaining that the new rule could “throw a spanner in the works for everyone.” He agreed that while it might not directly increase overtaking, the race would likely become more complicated in terms of outcome and strategy.

The unpredictable element will demand that teams think on their feet throughout the event, adjusting plans as the circumstances shift.

For most drivers, qualifying remains just as important, with track position a major advantage on Sunday. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell both shared optimism about the revised format.

Verstappen pointed out that single-stop races usually become processional once the pit stops are done, but a two-stop rule could trigger more teams to gamble with their strategies. He expects to see greater uncertainty as teams debate the right time to pit and react to rivals’ calls. Max Verstappen has been noted for his aggressive approach to the first laps, which could be a factor in how these strategies unfold.

Russell described himself as “excited” by the potential for different approaches and praised the effort to make strategy a bigger part of the Monaco story.

Veteran Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin suggested the rule might offer hope to drivers outside the top grid positions. Alonso, a double world champion, noted that for anyone not starting from pole position—a huge advantage at Monaco—having extra opportunities to make up places is welcome.

He added that on Saturday night, nearly the whole grid will sense a chance to move forward, especially with clever calls by their teams in the pits.

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman predicted a race with significant strategic variation, saying that fans should expect “a big variety on Sunday,” which could make the outcome far less certain.

Teams and fans have seen many Monaco races decided by track position and only interrupted by safety cars or the occasional weather event. For more details on Monaco’s unique track characteristics, check out the FIA’s official circuit guide.

With the new regulation, reliability, timing, and even a little bit of luck could all play a more direct role in determining who comes out on top. Drivers and strategists know that a small mistake in timing a pit stop or a perfectly timed call from the wall could become the difference between a big points finish and disappointment.

To understand the technical aspects of F1 tyre strategies, you can explore MIT’s Motorsports Research.

Most importantly, everyone watching hopes that these changes mean a more entertaining and closely fought Monaco Grand Prix in 2025, with the promise of more wheel-to-wheel action and the real possibility of surprise results.

The F1 community continues to explore various social media solutions to enhance fan engagement alongside such exciting on-track developments.

For historical context on Monaco Grand Prix innovations, visit Wikipedia’s Monaco GP page.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.