FIA confirm Monaco Grand Prix disqualification Ra…

FIA Introduces Stricter Tyre Rules for 2025 Monaco Grand Prix to Boost Excitement

The FIA has officially implemented a key change to the Sporting Regulations ahead of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix in an effort to bring more strategic complexity and excitement to the historic event. The new rule, approved by the World Motor Sport Council, updates Article 30.5 m) of the F1 Sporting Regulations and mandates that all 20 drivers must complete two pit stops during the race. This adjustment is intended to counteract long-standing criticisms about the lack of overtaking and limited race-day drama at the narrow, twisty streets of Monte Carlo.

Historically, the Monaco Grand Prix is known more for its prestige and glitz than for on-track action, with overtaking often proving nearly impossible. By enforcing two mandatory pit stops, the FIA aims to introduce greater strategic variation and unpredictability. The rule is expected to open up different tyre strategy options and increase the chance for tactical gambles, potentially leading to position changes that wouldn’t occur under traditional one-stop strategies.

Under the updated regulation, failing to adhere to the two-stop requirement will carry severe consequences. The FIA has confirmed that any driver who does not make both scheduled pit stops without a legitimate reason will face disqualification from the race. This harsh penalty underscores how seriously the governing body is treating the regulation, ensuring that all teams and drivers comply in full.

In addition, the revised rule covers situations where the race is suspended and cannot be resumed. In these cases, disqualification will be replaced by significant time penalties. For example, if a driver does not use at least two different dry-weather tyre compounds or fails to use a minimum of three sets of tyres of any kind during the race, they will receive a 30-second time penalty. Furthermore, drivers who complete the entire race distance on a single set of tyres will also be penalized with an additional 30 seconds added to their overall time.

This change comes as part of a broader initiative by Formula 1 to rejuvenate the Monaco Grand Prix and address its long-standing reputation as a procession rather than a race. During the 2025 race weekend so far, multiple drivers have voiced concern over traffic issues in practice sessions, highlighting the circuit’s spatial limitations. Notably, local hero Charles Leclerc found himself in a collision with Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin after getting impeded on a flying lap, demonstrating the constant challenges drivers face on this tight street circuit.

Despite the racing difficulties, the Monaco Grand Prix remains a cornerstone of Formula 1. A recent agreement ensures its place on the F1 calendar until at least 2031. The introduction of this new tyre rule is seen as a key step in preserving the event’s prestige while aligning it with modern fan expectations. If successful, the mandatory two-stop strategy could revitalize the spectacle and help secure Monaco’s relevance in the evolving landscape of Formula 1.