FIA confirms major Monaco Grand Prix change for 2025
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FIA confirms major Monaco Grand Prix change for 2025
The FIA has officially confirmed that the Monaco Grand Prix will introduce a mandatory two-stop strategy from the 2025 season, aiming to enhance the racing spectacle at Formula 1’s most historic and notoriously processional circuit.
Crucially, this rule will apply in both wet and dry conditions, ensuring that teams and drivers must make at least two pit stops regardless of weather conditions.
Monaco Grand Prix to feature mandatory two-stop rule
Under the current Formula 1 regulations, drivers must use at least two different tire compounds during dry races, effectively requiring one pit stop. However, in wet conditions, this rule does not apply, allowing drivers to complete the entire race on a single set of wet or intermediate tires if possible.
The FIA’s latest decision ensures that from 2025 onward, a minimum of three different sets of tires must be used during the Monaco Grand Prix, regardless of weather conditions. This change aims to shake up race strategies and introduce more variability in the competition at a circuit where overtaking opportunities are extremely limited.
How will the new rule impact Monaco race strategy?
The FIA’s decision to mandate two pit stops at Monaco introduces new strategic considerations for teams. Previously, Monaco was known for one-stop strategies or, in wet conditions, even no-stop races, as tire degradation tends to be low due to the slow-speed nature of the track.
Now, with two mandatory pit stops, teams will need to carefully plan tire strategies to optimize performance without compromising track position—a crucial factor at a circuit where overtaking is infamously difficult.
The FIA stated that the rule change was made “with the primary intent of improving the sporting spectacle of this race.” While some fans and analysts remain skeptical about whether this will significantly enhance racing action, it does introduce an element of unpredictability that could impact race outcomes.
Max Verstappen questions impact of the new rule
Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has expressed skepticism about how much the mandatory two-stop rule will actually improve racing in Monaco.
Speaking to media, including PlanetF1.com, Verstappen said:
“I don’t know if it’s going to make a massive difference, but I don’t mind. If it’s one stop, two stops, 25 stops, it’s all fine. I mean, I do whatever is decided, right?
“It’s just one of these tracks where it’s very hard to pass and, of course, the bigger we make the cars, the more difficult it is also to race.
“I felt like in 2016 or whatever, there was still a little bit of an opportunity [to overtake]. Now that’s, of course, gone. If the two pit stops help, I don’t know, but I guess we’ll find out, right?”
Monaco’s unique race format remains intact
While this new regulation introduces a fresh strategic element, Monaco will continue to be the only race on the calendar with a shortened total distance. Due to its tight and twisty layout, the Monaco Grand Prix runs to a 260km distance instead of the standard 305km used in all other Formula 1 races.
With the FIA pushing to improve racing excitement, the introduction of the mandatory two-stop rule will be closely watched when the Monaco Grand Prix 2025 takes place. Whether it leads to more thrilling battles on track remains to be seen.
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