JUST IN:FIA Announces Additional Change to F1 Monaco Grand Prix Following Pit-Stop R…read more

FIA Announces Additional Change to F1 Monaco Grand Prix Following Pit-Stop Rule Update

The FIA has officially confirmed a significant change to the format of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix starting in 2025: a mandatory two-stop pit strategy, regardless of weather conditions. This rule change is specifically aimed at enhancing the racing spectacle at the iconic but notoriously processional street circuit.

What’s Changing?

Previously, F1 regulations only required one pit stop during dry races, with no such requirement in wet conditions. This allowed teams to exploit tire strategy to minimize time lost in the pits — often resulting in very few overtakes on Monaco’s tight, twisty circuit where track position is king.

Under the new 2025 rule:

All drivers must make at least two pit stops during the Monaco Grand Prix.

In dry conditions, they must use a minimum of two different tire compounds, and three different sets total.

In wet conditions, the two-stop rule still applies, though tire compound variety is not enforced.

Why the Change?

The move is in response to a heavily criticized 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, where a red flag on Lap 1 allowed teams to change tires in the pits, effectively bypassing the need for a later stop. As a result, the rest of the race saw minimal on-track action, leading to fan and driver frustration.

This prompted the FIA and F1’s Sporting Advisory Committee to explore options to spice up the strategy element of races at Monaco, where overtaking is virtually impossible. The mandatory two-stop rule is expected to force more variability in strategy and pit timing, potentially leading to more dynamic and unpredictable outcomes.

Reactions

Lewis Hamilton, who will be driving for Ferrari in 2025, claimed credit for the idea, saying he had been advocating for multiple mandatory stops at Monaco for years.

Max Verstappen, current Red Bull driver, was less enthusiastic, questioning whether more pit stops would truly affect the on-track spectacle, given the circuit’s design limitations.

Team strategists are also wary of the unintended consequences, such as pit-lane congestion and potential safety issues due to tight pit lane confines at Monaco.

When Will This Be Implemented?

The rule change will debut at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, scheduled for May 25, 2025, with the race beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time.

The Goal

Ultimately, the FIA hopes this change will:

Increase strategic variation

Force teams into riskier, more aggressive race plans Generate more fan engagement at a venue often criticized for its lack of excitement

Whether it will deliver the desired results remains to be seen, but it marks a rare and bold regulatory shift aimed specifically at improving one of the most

restigious — yet processional — races in F1.