It’s the most iconic race on the calendar—and often, the least exciting once the lights go out.
For decades, the Monaco Grand Prix has been a contradiction: a jewel in Formula 1’s crown, yet routinely criticised for its processional races. Now, in 2025, the FIA is boldly attempting to change that—by tweaking the only thing that can be changed in Monaco: strategy.
🛠️ What’s New?
From this year’s race onward, drivers will be required to make two mandatory pit stops at the Monaco Grand Prix—no exceptions, rain or shine.
Here’s the full breakdown:
- Each driver must use at least three sets of tyres during the race.
- In dry conditions, they must run at least two different dry-weather compounds.
- The two-stop rule still applies in wet or mixed conditions, regardless of compound you still have to use three sets of tyres in the wet.
- This is a standalone regulation only for Monaco in 2025—not a wider rule change across the season.
Previously, teams were only required to complete one pit stop using two different dry compounds—often resulting in early stops, long stints, and little incentive to change positions once track order was set. With overtaking rare and tyre wear minimal in Monaco, races became predictable. It is worth noting though that you can still change tyres under Red Flag conditions which is something that might well play a part here in Monaco.
This rule forces a rethink.
🧠 Why Monaco, Why Now?
The answer lies in what Monaco is—and isn’t.
The circuit offers almost no overtaking opportunities. The cars have outgrown the track. And the nature of modern F1—where clean air and track position are king—means the race has often felt like a high-speed formation lap.
The FIA’s Sporting Advisory Committee, comprising team representatives and governing body officials, agreed that the format needed to be shaken up. This two-stop rule was proposed and approved unanimously as a Monaco-only trial designed to “improve the show without changing the track.”
In essence, if you can’t widen the streets of Monte Carlo, widen the range of strategic possibilities.
💬 The Paddock Reacts
Support has been strong—though not without caveats.
Charles Leclerc, the home hero and 2024 Monaco GP winner, is cautiously optimistic:
“I love qualifying here. It’s the purest test of precision. But the race? Not always. I think adding a second stop might help mix things up—at least give the fans something more to talk about.”
Lewis Hamilton, now wearing Ferrari red, was more direct:
“I’ve been saying for years we need two stops here. One stop just kills the racing. I’m glad they listened.”
McLaren boss Andrea Stella welcomed the idea but flagged a key issue:
“It works in theory. But the moment it rains or there’s an early Safety Car, it could cause some confusion—or even a queue in the pit lane. That’s the risk.”
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur was similarly wary, talking about in Imola when he questioned whether the Monaco pit lane could handle the added traffic under pressure:
“Space is tight. If half the grid pits at once, we’ll have chaos.”
📊 The Strategic Shift
So, how might this play out?
Expect to see teams experiment with short opening stints, followed by a middle phase on the harder compound and a late splash for softs—particularly if a Safety Car plays into the mix. Alternatively, a brave few may run two early stints to clear the requirement and defend track position to the flag.
Bernie Collins, former F1 strategist and now a broadcaster, believes the new rule will favour sharp, risk-taking minds:
“It’s no longer just about keeping your car clean and defending. You might see backmarkers trying early undercuts or leaders being forced into an aggressive final stint. That’s what Monaco’s been missing.”
Crucially, it could allow drivers outside the top five to vault forward—especially if those ahead get stuck behind slower traffic on an offset strategy.
And for fans? It adds tension where there was once a lull.
🏁 The Bigger Picture
The Monaco GP is as much about pageantry as racing. But with this new two-stop rule, there’s finally the potential for drama to match the setting.
The FIA will monitor it closely. If it works, it could serve as a blueprint for other circuits with overtaking struggles.
But Monaco remains the testbed.
It’s not a revolution. The walls are still close. The straights are still short. But for the first time in years, there’s genuine intrigue over what might unfold after Lap 1.
And that, in Monaco, is progress.
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