Max Verstappen concluded, “This has nothing to do with racing,” after the Monaco Grand Prix last year, highlighting the lack of action on Sundays in Monaco due to the difficulty of overtaking with today’s F1 cars. The 2024 race further saw limited excitement after an early red flag allowed all drivers a free tyre change, eliminating the traditional pitstop strategy that can shake up the race.
In response, a new Monaco rule was introduced, requiring drivers to use three different sets of tyres, though not mandating two pitstops. This rule was implemented to prevent the 2024 scenario from reoccurring, where teams could exploit the lack of pitstop opportunities under certain circumstances. Despite potential loopholes, the FIA has made efforts to ensure the rule’s fair implementation.
The decision not to mandate all three tyre compounds was based on Pirelli’s assessment that it would not significantly impact the race due to low tyre wear in Monaco. This strategic adjustment aims to inject more unpredictability into the Monaco Grand Prix while maintaining a balance between competitiveness and spectacle. Ultimately, the new rule seeks to enhance the racing experience in Monaco by fostering strategic diversity and minimizing the chances of a lackluster race event.
