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FIA Confirms Mandatory Two-Stop Rule for Monaco Grand Prix, Warns of Disqualifications
In a bold move to revitalise the racing spectacle at the Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA has officially introduced a major change to the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations. From the 2025 season onwards, all drivers competing in the prestigious Monte Carlo event will be required to make two mandatory pit stops during the race. This landmark update, now codified in Article 30.5 m) of the Sporting Regulations, is intended to shake up race strategies and encourage more on-track action in what has historically been a processional event.
Monaco, known for its glamour and history, has long been criticised for producing uneventful races due to the extremely tight and twisty layout of the circuit, where overtaking opportunities are scarce. Traditionally, drivers and teams have leaned towards single-stop strategies, exploiting the track’s minimal tyre degradation to maintain position and avoid the risk of losing time in the pits. However, this approach has often turned the race into a tyre preservation contest rather than a thrilling fight for position.
The FIA’s latest regulation will force teams to rethink that conservative mindset. With two pit stops now compulsory, teams will need to develop more dynamic strategies that account for tyre selection, pit timing, and traffic management. This could open the door for more mid-race position changes, give midfield teams a greater chance to compete with the frontrunners, and inject more unpredictability into the outcome.
Importantly, the FIA is taking the enforcement of this rule very seriously. Any driver or team that fails to complete the required two stops will risk disqualification from the race. This is one of the harshest penalties available and sends a strong message that there will be no leniency for non-compliance. The governing body appears committed to ensuring the regulation is followed to the letter, with the aim of enhancing both competitiveness and entertainment.
This decision comes on the heels of the dramatic 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, which defied expectations and delivered several shock results. The race saw Lewis Hamilton crash out in a high-stakes battle at the front, while both Red Bull and McLaren underperformed, allowing surprising performances from other teams to take the spotlight. With such unexpected developments already showing in this year’s edition, the FIA is clearly looking to capitalise on that momentum by further increasing strategic variability in 2025.
Fan and pundit pressure has also likely played a role in this rule change. For years, there have been growing calls for Monaco to offer more engaging racing to match its iconic backdrop. While the circuit’s layout makes major changes difficult, the two-stop rule represents a creative way to introduce unpredictability without altering the track itself.
Ultimately, the FIA’s move is designed to reward clever tactics and penalise complacency. Teams must now balance speed with strategic planning, and drivers will have to navigate not just the treacherous Monaco streets but also an added layer of race complexity. The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix is shaping up to be a turning point—where compliance, clever thinking, and adaptability may decide who reaches the podium and who is left out of the results altogether.
