Monaco F1 Track Revamp Is Key to Boost Overtaking – Horner

The Monaco Grand Prix once again put the spotlight on the tight street circuit of Monte Carlo after a race with few changes in running order and minimal overtaking.

This year, Formula 1 tried to shake things up by introducing a mandatory two-pitstop rule. All drivers had to use at least three sets of tyres on two different compounds during the race. This new regulation added a fresh strategic element to the event, as discussed in recent F1 Monaco quick takeaways.

The new rule came after the 2024 race, where many drivers simply changed tyres during a red flag. Although some fans and teams thought the strategy element made the race more interesting, the event stayed processional, with McLaren’s Lando Norris leading from pole position and keeping that advantage until the checkered flag.

Red Bull Racing’s Christian Horner said the new rule brought better strategy but highlighted that the real issue remains overtaking. He explained that the only real solution would be to make changes to the track layout itself, a view reflected in his recent comments about the Horner-Verstappen issue.

Horner pointed out that, despite the new rule, on-track passing was almost non-existent, stressing that the current Monaco configuration makes it nearly impossible for drivers to get alongside each other on the narrow streets. He suggested that creating longer braking zones, maybe at the tunnel exit or Turn 1, could help boost overtaking chances.

The Monaco circuit has been almost the same since it first appeared on the Formula 1 calendar in 1950. Even though there have been small adjustments—like the swimming pool section and tweaks around Rascasse—the track’s basic shape has not changed.

Formula 1 cars, however, have grown a lot since the early years. Today’s race cars are about half a meter wider and have a meter longer wheelbase compared to cars from the 1950s.

Horner explained that this makes overtaking nearly impossible, as there is simply not enough space for two modern cars to race side by side through most corners.

Some observers have even joked that Monaco’s track would be better suited for smaller racing cars like Formula 3, which are lighter, shorter, and narrower. F3 cars race at Monaco about 15 seconds per lap slower but at least have a bit more room to maneuver.

Next year, Formula 1 plans to address car size with new technical regulations. The maximum wheelbase will drop from 3,600mm to 3,400mm, with the width falling by 100mm from the current limit of 2,000mm.

Cars will also be about four percent lighter, though teams are still debating details. Whether these changes will help drivers race closer together and actually overtake in Monaco is still an open question.

The hope is that the smaller, lighter cars will better suit the world’s most famous street circuit, but experts and team leaders like Horner think tweaks to the layout might be the only real answer.

As F1 continues to evolve, Monaco remains a unique challenge, and the search for a truly exciting race in the Principality goes on. More analysis on the Monaco GP winners and losers provides insight into how the race continues to balance tradition and competition.

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.