The Grand Prix of Monaco on Sunday will require two pit stops for the first time. With this, Formula 1 and the FIA hope to breathe new life into the often predictable race in Monte Carlo.
Overtaking is virtually impossible on the narrow street circuit. Last year, for example, the top ten in the race finished in exactly the same order as the drivers qualified on Saturday. The organizers hope to create more strategic variation and unexpected twists through the mandatory pit stops.
The new rule means that drivers are required to stop at least twice during the race, regardless of the circumstances. In a dry race, they must use at least two different tire compounds, as is already customary.
What is new is that drivers in the race must also use three different sets of tires. So not necessarily three different compounds, but three unique sets.
In the rain, the different compounds do not have to be used, but the mandatory two stops remain in effect. The chance of precipitation during the race is small.
Doubt As To Whether New Rule Has Effect
Last week in Imola, there was also talk about Sunday’s race in Monaco. For example, Beat Zehnder, sporting director at Sauber, said that there is a chance that teams will carry out both mandatory pit stops in the first laps of the race, especially if a safety car comes onto the track early. “Then probably the whole field will do that. And then we will be in the same situation as last year.”
Ferrari team boss Frédéric Vasseur foresees problems if everyone dives in at the same time. “That will happen during a safety car. The pit lane is very narrow, so that can cause chaos. But it is good that there is experimentation.”
Formula 1 will evaluate the rule change after the Grand Prix weekend. A decision will be made later whether the rule will be maintained, needs to be adjusted or will be scrapped. The Grand Prix of Monaco is in any case on the Formula 1 calendar until 2031.
The Grand Prix of Monaco starts on Sunday at 3:00 PM (Dutch time). The qualification is scheduled for Saturday at 4:00 PM.