FIA confirm Monaco Grand Prix disqualification Ra… read more

FIA confirm Monaco Grand Prix disqualification Ra… read more

The FIA has officially announced a significant adjustment to the Sporting Regulations for the 2025 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, aimed at enhancing the overall excitement and competitiveness of the event. Known for its glamour and historic appeal, the Monaco Grand Prix has often drawn criticism for producing processional races with limited overtaking opportunities. To address this issue, the FIA has revised Article 30.5 m) of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, introducing a new mandate that will have a notable impact on race strategies.

Starting with the 2025 edition of the race, all 20 drivers on the Formula 1 grid will be required to complete two mandatory pit stops during the Grand Prix. This is a shift from the current standard, which typically requires only one stop and gives teams more flexibility in race strategy. The updated rule has been formally approved by the World Motor Sport Council, signaling the FIA’s commitment to bringing more action and unpredictability to one of the sport’s most iconic yet processional races.

The main aim behind this rule change is to create more variation in tyre strategy and encourage teams to think creatively under pressure. With overtaking extremely difficult on the narrow and twisty streets of Monte Carlo, strategy plays an even more crucial role in determining the outcome of the race. By requiring two pit stops, the FIA hopes to mix up the running order more frequently throughout the event, thereby opening up more opportunities for changes in position through strategic decision-making rather than relying solely on overtaking.

To enforce the new regulation strictly, the FIA has introduced a severe penalty for non-compliance. Any driver who fails to complete both required pit stops during the race—without a justified and valid reason—will face disqualification from the results. This represents a strong stance from the governing body to ensure that no team attempts to exploit a loophole or take a shortcut to gain an advantage. The emphasis is clearly on maintaining fairness and enforcing the strategic diversity the rule is intended to produce.

Overall, this change marks a significant departure from previous norms and reflects the FIA’s desire to enhance the spectacle of the Monaco Grand Prix. By implementing a mandatory two-stop requirement and backing it up with strict penalties, the FIA is taking proactive steps to boost the excitement of a race that, while steeped in tradition, has at times struggled to deliver thrilling on-track action.