The Monaco GP is an iconic race. However, it has come under criticism for its lack of on-track action with the modern F1 cars being so large in size. In 2021, the Grand Prix saw absolutely no overtakes. Last year, we saw only four overtakes, the lowest of any race that year.
With a lack of overtaking, the FIA have felt the need to get involved to spice up the racing. Following discussions in the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), it was decided that the FIA and F1 will make several changes to the 2025 F1 Sporting Regulations including a rendition of the Monaco GP which would have a mandatory two-stop strategy.
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Overtaking is difficult around the streets of Monaco. This has been an issue for the past few years in F1 due to the size fo the cars. It was clear that this problem needed a solution for the Monaco Grand Prix to remain on the calendar. So now, the FIA has stepped in to try to enhance the action by introducing a mandatory two-stop strategy for the race.
A statement from the FIA said: “The WMSC reviewed a proposal regarding the implementation of a mandatory 2-stop strategy (in both wet and dry conditions) for the Monaco GP, with the primary intent of improving the sporting spectacle of this race.
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“Following recent discussions in the F1 Commission, a specific requirement for the Monaco GP has been approved mandating the use of at least three sets of tyres in the race, with a minimum of two different tyre compounds to be used if it’s a dry race.”
This idea will make the race more exciting. Teams will play around with different strategies to get the optimum result. However, with the current design of the car, will the added stop make much difference? With the cars as wide as they are, a tyre offset or a different compound of tyre might not aid overtaking.
Why is overtaking so difficult in Monaco?
There are many reasons why overtaking at the Monaco GP is difficult. The track layout is too narrow for this breed of F1 car. It poses the drivers great challenges with how narrow and twisty the iconic track is, but it does not help with overtaking. Any manoeuvre comes with a high risk of an accident with the track being so narrow.
The current crop of F1 cars are just too big for the streets of Monaco. Modern F1 cars are significantly wider than older models, limiting space on a track where space is already at a premium.
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To add to the problems, the cars suffer from dirty air in Monaco. This creates less downforce for drivers and means they lose grip. With overtaking so difficult with rare opportunities to try a move, a launch of a corner is vital. In dirty air, this is hard to accomplish, meaning the driver ahead will usually get a better exit from the corner.
It will be interesting to see whether the additional mandatory pit stop will improve the quality of racing in Monaco. Will we see teams play around with the strategy a bit more, or will track position still be the most important aspect to win the Monaco GP? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.
