F1 set to spice up Monaco Grand Prix with additional pit stops
The Monaco Grand Prix is set to include addition pit stops as the sport is intent on "promoting better racing in the Principality," the FIA has noted after the latest meeting of the F1 Commission in London.
The Monaco Grand Prix has constantly received criticism in the past years due to the lack of overtaking opportunities. Although the issue has not been new, recent technical changes that made the current F1 cars wider, made the problem ever more prominent.
The last years saw the leading driver reduce his speed in order by a whopping two-three seconds in order to look after the tyres and make sure that a single-stop strategy was possible. Wet races that included more pit stops and uncertainty proved much more enjoyable.
Formula One's governing body has now revealed that this year's Monaco Grand Prix might run under a unique set of sporting rules which would see the number of mandatory pit stops increase from the current one to at least two obligatory pit services.
The FIA noted: "with the aim of promoting better racing at the Monaco Grand Prix, the commission discussed proposals for Monaco-specific regulations.
"The commission agreed to increase the numbers of mandatory pit stops in the Race. These proposals will be further discussed by the Sporting Advisory Committee in the coming weeks."
Having won his home race last year, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc would welcome the increase of mandatory pit stops if it really spices up racing in the Principality.
"Yeah, because strategy will become a bit more of a thing then, which I think is a good thing. Monaco is super exciting on a Saturday. For us drivers, it's incredible.
"It's the best qualifying of the year. Then, on the Sunday, it can get a little bit too... there's not much happening. This is a way to spice things up a bit more," Leclerc is quoted as saying by Speedcafe.
Further changes were approved for the 2025 Technical, Sporting and Financial Regulations ahead of the 2025 season.
Following issues with the flexibility of certain aerodynamic parts, the governing body has now confirmed that the new season will include more stringent tests for the front and rear wing.
The new deflection tests will come into force in two steps. The stricter tests for the rear wings will be introduced at the start of the upcoming season, but the more stringent deflection tests on the front wings will be applied from the Spanish Grand Prix.
