Monaco GP’s Drastic Scenario Completely Ruled Out

F1 officials tested a two-stop mandatory pit rule during the Monaco Grand Prix in an attempt to make the race more interesting. However, the rule did not have the impact many hoped for, as teams simply slowed their pace to create pit windows, and overtaking remained rare. This breakdown of the two-stop rule shows why it struggled to improve racing action, reflecting broader challenges outlined in F1’s official sporting regulations.

Former driver Martin Brundle, who now works as a broadcaster, said after the race that removing Monaco from the calendar isn’t a real possibility. The world-famous street circuit has been a staple of Formula 1 for decades, known just as much for its glamour as for the challenging narrow layout that makes passing so difficult.

Brundle emphasized that the circuit’s unique setting and long history are too important to ignore, even if the races are sometimes processional. Monaco’s tight corners and lack of long straights have caused problems for exciting racing for years. Discussions about possible Monaco F1 track changes continue as organizers search for solutions within FIA’s circuit homologation standards.

Since widening the circuit isn’t possible, technical changes like the two-stop rule are some of the only tools available to race organizers. Brundle said that these adjustments can only help so much since the fundamental problem is track design.

He described qualifying in Monaco as one of the highlights of the entire sporting year, with drivers pushing the limits for starting position. He argued that the idea of dropping the race from the schedule just isn’t an option.

During the race, strategy games played out as some drivers deliberately drove slower to help their teammates. George Russell was seen getting stuck behind a slow-moving Alex Albon, who was helping create a gap for his Williams teammate Carlos Sainz.

Russell even cut the chicane to pass Albon but was later hit with a drive-through penalty. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff suggested a minimum lap time might stop this kind of blocking, but Brundle joked that perhaps each driver should get one ‘joker’ lap per race to blast through the chicane freely, though he admitted this probably wouldn’t work in practice.

Monaco’s special status means it still draws huge audiences and top teams every year. In 2025, McLaren leads the Formula 1 teams with 319 points, thanks largely to drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who sit first and second in the driver standings with 161 and 158 points.

Max Verstappen holds third for Red Bull with 136 points. Behind them, Mercedes and Ferrari are close in the team standings, with 147 and 142 points each.

Charles Leclerc, racing for Ferrari and hailing from Monaco, continues to be a fan favorite at his home track, though he missed out on pole by a small margin in the latest race. Despite the lack of overtakes during most Monaco GPs, the event remains a fixture on the schedule, with next year’s race set for May 25, 2025.

Fans still tune in for the pageantry and high drama of qualifying, even if Sunday’s main event doesn’t always deliver fireworks. Past legends such as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher made their mark at Monaco, adding to the race’s historic appeal documented in F1 archives.

While changes like two mandatory pit stops may come and go, the race’s iconic status and unique challenges ensure it will remain part of the championship for the foreseeable future. Discussions about how to improve racing action in Monaco continue each season, with new suggestions arising from drivers, teams, and officials.

Yet most agree that some tracks bring speed and overtaking, while others, like Monaco, are defined by risk, precision, and the fight for Saturday supremacy. For now, Monaco’s place in Formula 1 is safe, with fans and drivers alike accepting its quirks and moments of unpredictability as part of the sport’s tradition.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.