BREAKING: FIA confirm Monaco Grand Prix disqualification Ra… read more
FIA confirm Monaco Grand Prix disqualification Ra… read more
The FIA has confirmed a major regulatory update for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, aimed at addressing longstanding criticisms of the event’s processional nature. In a significant alteration to the Sporting Regulations, specifically Article 30.5 m), all Formula 1 drivers will now be compelled to make two mandatory pit stops during the race in Monte Carlo.
This rule, which has been ratified by the World Motor Sport Council, marks a bold attempt to add layers of strategy and unpredictability to a race that has often been labelled as lacking overtaking and competitive thrills due to its tight and narrow street layout. By mandating a second pit stop, the FIA hopes to shake up team strategies and prevent drivers from cruising to the finish on a one-stop plan or, in some cases, even completing the race without a stop under ideal tyre conditions.
To ensure strict adherence, the new regulation comes with heavy penalties. Any driver who fails to complete the two required pit stops, unless justified by exceptional circumstances, will face disqualification from the race. This zero-tolerance approach underscores the FIA’s determination to enhance the sporting spectacle and avoid teams exploiting the circuit’s unique characteristics to bypass competitive racing.
The revised rules also make provisions for scenarios where the race is suspended and cannot be resumed. In such situations, disqualification may be replaced by time penalties. Drivers who do not use at least two different dry tyre compounds, or fail to run on at least three sets of tyres of any type during the race, will be slapped with a 30-second penalty. An additional 30 seconds will be added to the total time of any driver who completes the race using only a single tyre set.
This overhaul forms part of Formula 1’s broader strategy to reinvigorate the Monaco Grand Prix, a race that, despite its prestige and historical significance, has struggled to consistently deliver compelling on-track battles in the modern era. The FIA has responded to calls from fans, teams, and drivers for more action on race day by enforcing these stricter tyre usage rules.
Early signs during the 2025 race weekend already highlighted the Monaco circuit’s inherent limitations. Several drivers complained about traffic congestion during practice sessions, with home favourite Charles Leclerc involved in an incident with Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin after being impeded during a hot lap. The incident reignited debate about the difficulty of clean lap execution at Monaco, especially during qualifying and practice.
Despite these challenges, Monaco continues to occupy a revered place on the Formula 1 calendar. A recently signed six-year contract extension ensures that the Grand Prix will remain part of the championship until at least 2031. Both the FIA and Formula 1 are optimistic that the introduction of mandatory two-stop strategies will breathe new life into the event, preserving its legacy while adapting to the sport’s evolving demands.
The effectiveness of these new tyre rules may have broader implications for the future direction of Formula 1, particularly in addressing how traditional circuits can be adapted to modern racing standards without losing their unique charm. For Monaco, this may be the beginning of a new chapter — one that blends its storied past with a more dynamic and competitive future.
