Breaking: Major Monaco Grand Prix Change Confirmed After Official F1… read more

Major Monaco Grand Prix Change Confirmed After Official F1 Meeting

 

A major change to the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix has been officially confirmed, marking a significant shift in how one of the sport’s most prestigious and historic races will be run. Following a meeting of the F1 Commission  chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali  the introduction of a mandatory two-stop strategy for all drivers has been ratified for the 2025 edition of the Monaco Grand Prix.

 

A New Era for Monaco’s Iconic Race

 

The Monaco Grand Prix, held in the heart of Monte Carlo since 1950, is widely regarded as the jewel in Formula 1’s crown. Known for its narrow, winding street layout, stunning scenery, and celebrity-packed atmosphere, it has produced countless historic moments over the decades. However, the circuit’s layout — with minimal room for overtaking — has also led to criticism in recent years, with races often turning into processions once the starting order is set, particularly on a dry weekend.

 

Typically, the driver who secures pole position on Saturday has an overwhelming chance of winning on Sunday, provided they avoid any strategic or mechanical issues. As a result, the FIA and Formula 1 have sought to address the predictability of the event by implementing changes aimed at increasing strategic complexity and race-day drama.

 

Two Pit Stops Now Mandatory

 

The newly confirmed rule requires every driver to make at least two pit stops during the 78-lap race — a departure from the usual one-stop norm, which has often been the preferred and safest strategy at the Monaco circuit due to the difficulty of overtaking.

 

The change, which was discussed and agreed upon during the second F1 Commission meeting of the season, is expected to force teams and drivers to rethink their race strategies. The goal is to encourage a broader range of tire usage, increase variability in race pace, and open up opportunities for undercuts and position changes via pit stop timing, rather than solely relying on track position.

 

This move reflects Formula 1’s continued efforts to enhance on-track action and viewer engagement, especially in races that are traditionally less dynamic. By introducing a second mandatory stop, the FIA hopes to introduce more uncertainty and a higher risk-reward factor for both teams and drivers.

 

Championship Battle Intensifies in Monte Carlo

 

The strategic shake-up comes as the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship battle begins to heat up, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri arriving in Monaco as the current championship leader. The 23-year-old Australian has been one of the season’s biggest surprises, winning four of the first seven races and proving to be a genuine title contender.

 

Piastri holds a 13-point lead over teammate Lando Norris, who has also shown strong form, with defending world champion Max Verstappen a further nine points behind after claiming victory in the most recent race at Imola. Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, has not had the same dominance this year, adding further intrigue to the title race.

 

Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc — who captured an emotional home win at Monaco in 2024 after years of misfortune at the circuit — has struggled to find consistent pace in 2025. With only one podium finish so far this season, Leclerc faces an uphill battle to repeat his heroics in front of his home crowd.

 

Looking Ahead to an Unpredictable Weekend

 

With new rules in play and the top drivers separated by narrow margins, this year’s Monaco Grand Prix could be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. The mandatory two-stop strategy, combined with a resurgent McLaren team and a fiercely competitive field, sets the stage for a dramatic weekend in Monte Carlo.

 

Fans around the world will be watching closely to see whether the regulation change delivers the excitement it promises — and whether Oscar Piastri can continue his fairy-tale rise or if seasoned champions like Verstappen and Leclerc will re

claim their place at the top.