The Monaco GP 2025 arrives with a dramatic twist for the first time in its rich history. It’s one of F1’s most iconic races that takes place on the narrow and challenging streets of Monte Carlo. However, a very common critique of the race is its predictability due to limited overtaking opportunities. Though no more worries, since the F1 governing body has found a solution for it, the mandatory two-pit stops.
What Is The New Mandatory Two-Pit Stop At The Monaco GP 2025
Traditionally, the Monaco GP is a one-stop affair, which makes overtaking nearly impossible on its tight and twisting streets. This makes it boring and sometimes challenging. The F1’s governing body has mandated that drivers must now use at least three different sets of tires during the 78-lap race, effectively enforcing two-pit stops unless red flags intervene.
The aim is clear: to prevent teams from managing tires at a slow pace and create opportunities for positional changes and on-track drama.
Drivers Predict The Impact Of The New Rule
The new rule has sparked widespread debate, which leads us to the main thing. Drivers react to the impact of the mandatory two-pit stop at the Monaco GP 2025.
Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, said, “Guess it can go both ways, where it can be quite straightforward, or it can go completely crazy because of Safety Cars coming into play or not making the right calls. I think it will spice it up, probably a bit more. Normally, when you have that one stop, once you have a good pit stop and everything is fine, then you drive to the end. You just have to stay focused and not hit the barrier.”
Lando Norris, who sits second in the Championship Standings, behind his team-mate Oscar Piastri, suggested, “It will be a complicated race. It is not as simple as ‘boxing’ twice. It’s opportunity. That’s the biggest thing, there is opportunity for everyone. I think there can be more luck involved for anyone, so it’s easier to probably have a surprise winner this weekend.”
Williams driver Carlos Sainz predicted, “It [Qualifying] will be less critical this year. Lately, Monaco has been too processional, and that’s why I think they are bringing the two-stop. Most importantly, it’s qualifying and then knowing how to manage the race, so let’s see if there’s not too much of a lottery.”
Two-time Monaco GP winner, Fernando Alonso, said, “Definitely the two stops will give some hope after Saturday night. Normally in Monaco, after qualifying, everything is locked for the weekend and you don’t have much to do on Sunday, while now you may be lucky or you choose the right moment to stop and there is some hope to make some places. Hopefully, we come up with something interesting for Sunday.”
What Do Experts Say?
Apart from the drivers, analysts point out that teams with consistently fast pit crews, like McLaren, could have an edge, while those at the ends of the pit lane, like Sauber, may benefit from easier pit entry and exit. However, no one can predict how the race will go, considering the potential safety cars and the ever-present risk of red flags. Whatever happens, one thing is for sure. The drama and unpredictability will be off the charts, so don’t forget to book your tickets now with this detailed guide.
