P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 teams will be free to choose their own pit strategy in Monaco this season following the disastrous introduction of two mandatory pit stops in 2025.
F1 teams will have the freedom to select their own pit strategies in Monaco this season due to the failed introduction of two mandatory pit stops in 2025. The growing size of F1 cars in recent years has worsened the challenge in Monaco, making overtaking almost impossible. The FIA tried to intervene in 2026 with mandatory stops, but teams found ways to work around the rules, creating slow processions and frustrations among drivers. Williams Team Principal expressed discomfort with the strategy of deliberately slowing down to gain an advantage. Mercedes’ attempt at a different approach backfired, leading to a loss in points. The rule change for mandatory stops has been scrapped for this season’s Monaco GP, offering a glimmer of hope for more exciting races with smaller cars potentially enabling more overtaking opportunities on the city streets.
