Carlos Sainz Blasts Two-Pitstop Rule for Monaco GP Manipulation

Carlos Sainz spoke out after the Monaco Grand Prix, calling the new two-pitstop rule a way to “manipulate the outcome” of the race. The rule, introduced for the 2025 Monaco event, forced every driver to make at least two pit stops.

Sainz believes this created a situation where teams could work together to control the race and gain an advantage. Both he and his Williams teammate Alex Albon used the rule to their benefit by staying out longer on old tires and purposely slowing down to hold up the cars behind them.

This tactic allowed them to create a gap before their pit stops, enabling them to pit without dropping behind rivals. In the end, both Williams drivers finished in the points, showing the strategy worked as planned.

Sainz expressed frustration at how easily the rule could be exploited, especially on a track like Monaco where overtaking is nearly impossible. He explained that running several seconds slower than normal is enough to control the action behind.

“Around Monaco, it’s too easy to do,” Sainz said. “Other tracks, with DRS and straights, you cannot do it. But today was very easy to do, for everyone.” His comments reflect growing criticism among drivers and fans that the new rule focuses more on strategy than on pure racing. For more on Monaco’s unique challenges, see the FIA’s official circuit guide.

The race also featured other drivers testing the limits. Mercedes’ George Russell, stuck behind Albon and frustrated by the slow pace, cut across the chicane to overtake off track.

Russell later admitted to his team that he preferred risking a penalty rather than giving up the position. He received a drive-through penalty for the move.

Sainz said he understood Russell’s actions, adding that going so slow was another form of “manipulating a race.” Besides Williams, Racing Bull’s Liam Lawson also helped his teammate Isack Hadjar by providing a buffer, with Hadjar losing only two places after pitting for soft tires and climbing to sixth by the finish.

The two-pitstop rule received mixed reactions across the paddock. While it helped Williams and Racing Bull secure points, other teams and commentators worried it made the race less exciting and more about timing than speed.

Critics argue this approach is not what fans expect from the Monaco GP, one of the most famous and challenging circuits in Formula 1. Max Verstappen even compared the new rules to Mario Kart, joking about bananas on the track. For historical context on Monaco’s significance in F1, check out Formula 1’s official history page.

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix will be remembered for its unusual strategies and the debate over fair racing. With drivers and teams seeking every advantage, F1 officials may need to review the rules before next year’s event to maintain the focus on on-track action. For insights into F1’s rule-making process, visit the FIA’s regulations portal.

Fans and teams alike will watch closely to see if further changes are made before the next trip to Monaco. For a deeper look into the strategic controversies, see the race’s detailed analysis.