Max Verstappen criticized the mandatory two-pitstop rules at the Monaco Grand Prix, likening the race to “almost Mario Kart” and suggesting that the experiment was unsuccessful, as the changes didn’t improve the excitement of the event.
F1 introduced the rule to inject unpredictability after the top 10 drivers finished in the same starting order in 2024, requiring cars to use three different sets of tires, turning the race into a two-stopper.
The added pitstop led to unusual tactics, with teams like Racing Bulls and Williams driving slowly to create gaps for teammates, while Verstappen gambled on a late red flag to change tires and potentially win the race.
Despite acknowledging the attempt to make Monaco more engaging, Verstappen felt the modifications didn’t work due to the nature of the track where passing remains difficult even with multiple pitstops.
Struggling with pace, Verstappen settled for a fourth-place finish and heads to the Spanish Grand Prix trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the championship standings, while Lando Norris closed the gap with a second win in Monte Carlo.
