Monaco GP preview: Oscar Piastri concerned about impact of two-pit stop rule

Oscar Piastri and New Two-Pit Stop Rule Set to Shake Up Monaco GP

MONACO — All eyes are on Oscar Piastri ahead of Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, but the championship leader has expressed cautious concern over the newly introduced two-pit stop rule. The regulation change, designed to bring more excitement to a race often criticized for processional outcomes, could complicate matters for the Australian, who starts from pole position.

Formula 1’s decision to mandate three sets of tires and at least two pit stops specific to the Monaco race has sparked wide-ranging speculation about how the strategies will play out. From early stops on the opening lap to drivers holding out for possible red flags or safety cars, teams are grappling with numerous scenarios ahead of the iconic showdown on the streets of Monte Carlo.

While Piastri has enjoyed a dominant season with McLaren—securing three pole positions and four victories thus far—he admitted the added complexity of the rule has left even experienced minds working overtime.

"My head's still kind of untwisting itself from some of the meetings we've had today. I think it's very complicated now with the two stops. Also, just using three sets of tyres, because if there's red flags like we saw last year, it's not quite as simple as what it was. "A complicated one. A very complicated one. I think there’s a lot of caveats involved."

Risks and Unpredictability Under the Spotlight

With the rule offering more avenues for strategic risks, Piastri acknowledged the possibility of unpredictability.

"I think there is going to be a lot of gambling on safety cars, red flags, especially if you're not in a high points-paying position. There's going to be a lot of risks taken, because ultimately if it goes wrong, you're not losing anything."

Historically, starting on pole has been a massive advantage at Monaco, where overtaking is notoriously difficult. Yet with the new regulations, Piastri concedes the changes make holding the top position uniquely tricky this year.

"I would still rather be on pole than anywhere else, but I think here it's a bit different. It's not like a normal [Monaco] race, where we saw last year, if you want to drive 10 seconds a lap slower, you can. So it’s quite different to a normal race, but it does make things very difficult, because you have the most to lose [starting at the front]. "That’s kind of the biggest thing. Everyone else behind you can take a few more risks."

McLaren’s Lando Norris Calls for Focus on Qualifying

The anticipation surrounding Sunday’s race revolves around those risks, with drivers down the grid potentially benefiting from unpredictable scenarios such as safety cars or red flags.

McLaren teammate Lando Norris, currently 12 points behind Piastri in the standings, agrees with the notion that the new regulation creates opportunities for drivers further back in the pack. However, Norris was blunt in sidelining pre-race strategy speculation until after Saturday’s qualifying session.

"I mean, it’s an opportunity. I think that's the biggest thing, that there is opportunity for everyone. I think there can be more luck involved for anyone, so you know, it’s easier to have probably a surprise winner this weekend. Which is good and bad. "You know, if you’re up the front, then that’s not something you want. But if you’re a bit further back, then it’s a perfect opportunity for you. So yeah, opportunity is probably the best way to put it."

The Briton emphasized that qualifying remains his sole focus at the moment, brushing aside detailed planning for race scenarios.

"I’ll just let whatever happen, happen. Like I said, I’m not thinking of the race at all. I don’t need to. I’ve got to practice tomorrow and then qualifying. For me that’s my only thoughts, my only things I need to focus on."

Piastri’s Approach vs Norris’ Pragmatism

When asked about Piastri’s approach—spending additional time thinking through permutations before qualifying—Norris playfully countered.

"Well, I mean, you have to wait and see where you qualify first. So he can think what he wants, but you have to rethink it all depending on where he starts. "For me, it’s just a needless worry. Of course, we just went through things and we know what we would want to try and plan for in a perfect race. But you don’t know if the gaps are going to open up, if they’re going to close, is it going to be a tight race, are people going to tire save, are they not? So it’s just something I don’t need to think about. So he does his thing and I do mine."

Monaco GP Anticipation Builds Amid Regulation Shakeup

With the countdown to Monaco Grand Prix fast approaching and the new regulations in place, the stage is set for what could be one of Formula 1’s most unpredictable races in years. For front-runners like Piastri and Norris, the pressure is palpable, but the prospect of shakeups down the grid promises to intrigue fans and shake up the championship standings.

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