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Extra mandatory pit stops planned for Monaco Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Commission has agreed to explore a proposal to increase the mandatory number of pit stops at the Monaco Grand Prix to improve the racing spectacle.
Monaco is one of the most iconic events in the motorsport calendar and provides a unique challenge for drivers due to the narrow street circuit layout. While qualifying is one of the highlights of the season given its importance to the final race outcome, that contrasts with an often processional race where the lead driver regularly backs the field up to prevent gaps opening for the chasing pack to make their pit stops.
As the F1 Commission held its first meeting of the new year in London on Tuesday morning, a proposal was accepted that would see an increase on the mandatory minimum of one pit stop per race, currently a default figure due to the need to run at least two different slick tire compounds during a race.
“With the aim of promoting better racing at the Monaco Grand Prix, the commission discussed proposals for Monaco-specific regulations,” an FIA statement read. “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.”
Despite that statement, Aston Martin team principal Any Cowell disputed the claim, adding: “It was discussed but no final agreement, so more work to be done.”
Other changes agreed during the F1 Commission meeting related to the 2025 regulations, with more stringent front wing deflection tests being introduced from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards, and similar tests for the rear wing from the start of the season.
There will also no longer be a restriction on the number of gearboxes a team can use during a season, as it was decided their reliability make the regulation obsolete.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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