F1 Drivers React to Exciting Monaco Track Changes

After last weekend’s processional Monaco Grand Prix, questions are rising about whether the classic track needs changes to make the race more exciting. Alex Wurz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has put forward several ideas.

One suggestion is to modify the Fairmont hairpin. Another is to extend the section after the tunnel into a tight, 90-degree turn, and there’s also a proposal to widen the Rascasse corner.

These options are all designed to give drivers more chances to overtake on a street circuit famous for its tight layouts and races often lacking in action. Surprisingly, even a mandatory two-stop rule wasn’t able to shake up the order at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc, who grew up in Monaco and knows the circuit well, weighed in on the biggest proposed change—extending Turn 10 out towards the sea. He called it difficult to achieve, but did say the other ideas had merit.

Leclerc doesn’t believe any of these would transform the racing in a big way, but he agrees that every possible effort should be made to improve Monaco’s Sunday show. For him, the challenge is about doing what is realistic for both the setting and the sport.

George Russell, driving for Mercedes, said the real issue is that there’s just one overtaking chance – at the tunnel exit. In his view, the racing line through there allows drivers to cover off any attempts to pass.

For Russell, Monaco’s real value is in qualifying, which he called the most thrilling of the year. He admitted the race is “pretty boring,” but explained that makes the action at other circuits feel more special.

Russell suggested fans might just need to accept Monaco’s quirks as part of Formula 1 history. Carlos Sainz of Williams said that any improvements from Wurz’s proposals would only address a small part of the problem—maybe just one to five percent. You can read more about Sainz’s concerns about Monaco in greater detail.

He explained that with today’s wide cars, even a slower, wider section might not make overtaking possible. Sainz said drivers could just slow down even more to keep rivals behind, and pointed out the field already drove four or five seconds slower than possible on race day.

He feels real change would require something much more drastic. Esteban Ocon echoed many of those views and said Wurz brings a useful racing driver’s perspective.

Ocon thinks any changes would help, but likely not enough to create big differences. He also suggested eliminating chicanes and running flat out to Turn 12, then adding more run-off and placing DRS zones after the tunnel to encourage bolder moves.

Ocon finished seventh in Monaco last weekend, seeing firsthand how tough it is to make progress on the track. Oscar Piastri, who was third in Monaco, said the current Formula 1 cars are just too large for tight street races like this.

He joked that switching to go-karts might be the only way to help drivers pass in Monaco. Piastri added that even if the cars get smaller next year, big changes would still be needed.

As for the two-stop pit rule tested this year, Piastri felt it was never going to change things much. The debate over Monaco’s layout comes as anticipation grows for the next round of races.

The F1 season continues with the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on June 1, followed by the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15, then Austria, Britain, and Belgium. Meanwhile, stories about driver rivalries and technical updates keep fans engaged, like McLaren’s new front wing for Spain and Lewis Hamilton responding to recent Ferrari speculation.

As Formula 1 faces questions about its most famous circuit, drivers remain split on how much the track should change—or if it should change at all.