Max Verstappen’s Sarcastic Take on Monaco GP: ‘Four Stops Next Year?’

Max Verstappen offered a cutting response after the Monaco Grand Prix, poking fun at Formula 1’s new two-stop rule. The defending world champion finished fourth, the same position he started, after a race that saw the top four drivers hold their grid spots from start to finish.

The updated rule, designed to create more action at the famous Monaco circuit, required every driver to stop for fresh tires twice. However, the change did little to change the order or excite fans, as overtaking proved almost impossible on Monaco’s tight streets, a challenge well-documented in FIA’s circuit analysis reports.

Verstappen’s sarcasm came through post-race, where he remarked, “Maybe next year, four stops?” He pointed out that even with one more or several more pit stops, his final result would remain unchanged.

Verstappen led some laps during the race, but this was only due to different pit strategies. In reality, nobody at the front of the field managed any on-track passes, highlighting the limitations of Monaco’s circuit design.

His comments reflected the general mood among leading drivers, who saw the race decided almost entirely by Saturday’s qualifying results and pit strategy timing. Red Bull boss Christian Horner echoed Verstappen’s sentiment, describing the main challenge as the circuit layout itself.

Current F1 cars, which are large and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, seem unsuited for the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, as noted in MIT’s aerodynamics research. The circuit’s traditional design leaves drivers with almost no chance to overtake during the race, regardless of tire strategies or rule tweaks.

The only real changes inside the top ten came after Fernando Alonso retired, allowing several drivers to gain positions. Most action occurred in the lower half of the standings.

The lack of genuine competition at the sharp end of the grid continues to frustrate drivers and teams. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate and rivals at Ferrari and Mercedes voiced similar concerns about race excitement and the effectiveness of recent rule changes, as discussed in F1’s official strategy group meetings.

With Monaco remaining on F1’s schedule, officials and teams are debating new ideas to boost the event’s entertainment value. Some have suggested adjusting car specifications or even altering the circuit layout itself, but such changes remain under consideration.

Meanwhile, Verstappen’s remark summed up the frustration many feel about one of the calendar’s most famous venues producing processional races despite new regulations. The next round of the Formula 1 World Championship moves to Spain on June 1.

Verstappen sits third in the driver standings, trailing McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The focus will now shift to whether more conventional circuits can offer closer competition among the top teams, as explored in F1’s annual performance report.

Ongoing debate about Monaco’s future and potential changes will continue within the F1 paddock throughout the year.