Formula 1: Monaco GP with two mandatory stops – in the name of competition

The FIA ​​(International Automobile Federation) World Motor Sport Council has made it mandatory to have at least two pit stops during the Monaco Grand Prix. The decision was announced this Wednesday, February 26, and aims to increase the competitiveness and excitement of the race.

Drivers and cars change, but criticism of the circuit remains the same from year to year. When we look at the annualFormula 1 calendar, the Monaco circuit is the one that offers the least chance of overtaking. Although accidents and mechanical mishaps still happen there, it is very rare to see a final classification that is diametrically opposed to that seen in qualifying.

The narrow, urban layout is another reason for the lack of overtaking opportunities. A centimetre too close to the wall or a wrong manoeuvre can result in a race-ending accident. Teams often advise drivers to reduce risk and wait patiently for their opponents to make mistakes that could open up windows of opportunity.

With two mandatory stops, teams are now forced to think of new strategy plans for the 76-lap race.

In addition to the implementation of this regulation change, the two-stop regime requires drivers to take at least two different tyre compositions to the race – in case of dry track conditions.

The Formula 1 season kicks off in Australia in March. On the weekend of 25 May, the drivers will head to the principality of Monaco for the Monte Carlo race, with the changes approved on Wednesday already being applied to this race, the eighth of 24 races.

From Wednesday to Friday, the teams will gather at the Bahrain International Circuit for their first tests of the year. This is the first opportunity for motorsport fans to see the new cars in action. It will also be the official track debut of Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari red, after the seven-time world champion left Mercedes after 11 years with the team.