Max Verstappen criticized the two-pitstop rules in Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix, comparing the race to “almost Mario Kart” and expressing his belief that the experiment did not succeed.
F1 introduced the mandatory two-pitstop rule to add excitement to the race after a previous procession-like event where the top 10 drivers finished in the same order they started in 2024.
Verstappen and Red Bull employed unusual tactics, including driving slowly to create gaps for their team-mates, as they navigated the compulsory tire changes.
Verstappen strategically delayed his final pitstop until the last lap, hoping for a red flag that would allow him to change tires for free and potentially secure a race win instead of finishing fourth.
While acknowledging the attempt to improve the Monaco race’s excitement, Verstappen ultimately felt the rule change did not significantly impact the race due to the inherent difficulties in overtaking on the track.
Despite the challenges faced by Red Bull over the weekend on a street track that highlighted their car’s weaknesses, Verstappen finished in fourth place and expressed a pragmatic view that it was the maximum result they could achieve.
Verstappen reflects on the intense competition in F1 as he heads to the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 25 points after Lando Norris’s victorious performance at the Monaco Grand Prix.
