The Monaco Grand Prix took place on May 25th. This year, the public and pilots eagerly awaited one of the main Formula 1 events, as some changes were scheduled to take place in the rules, which promised to help improve the dynamic of the race. This unusual strategy caught everyone’s attention: a forced attempt to make two pit stops. So, what is behind this? And why has it generated so much debates?
Why has Monaco become a problem for modern Formula 1?
Anyone who follows Formula 1 knows that one of the most traditional tracks — in fact, we could call it the most traditional — the Monaco GP, has always presented a challenge for drivers: the difficulty of overtaking. The circuit, which is one of the oldest, was designed for cars from the 1950s, which were narrower and slower than current cars.
Today, with wider and heavier vehicles, overtaking becomes practically impossible. It is very common for the starting order to be maintained throughout the race and for overtaking to only occur in scenarios of driver errors or accidents. This scenario generates discussions since the race ends up being decided in the Saturday qualifying round.
One of the consequences of this is the decrease in the level of expectation for the main race. The predictability of the final result generates a level of discontent and discouragement for the spectators, and even for the drivers who do not start in the top positions and know that any chance of reaching the podium is basically zero.
The controversial two-pit-stop strategy: creative solution or forced trick?
It is to be expected that the characteristics of the Monaco GP increase the pressure on the organizers and teams of the competition to make it more dynamic. New ideas and possibilities are discussed to make the race more interesting, which resulted in the new strategy for the GP: carrying out two pit stops, instead of one.
The idea is to induce the need for two pit stops by increasing the level of tire wear, leading to the need for the drivers to stop more than once to make the change. Whether through tire choice or changes in the car’s configuration, the intention is quite clear: If it’s not possible to overtake on the track, it may be done through strategic organization in the team’s pits.
It was to be expected that this decision would generate a level of discontent among the public. If on the one hand the alternative increases the dynamics of the race and the level of competitiveness, on the other hand, it raises the question that the merit of the overtaking is no longer due to the driver’s driving skills, which may seem like a “loss of essence” of the competition.
Change the track, change the rules, or accept Monaco as it is?
Some drivers, such as race winner Lando Norris, expressed frustration, saying it was a stressful experience. However, the lack of overtaking remained, which may indicate that the rule did not address the real challenge.
Other proposals have already been raised. In addition to the suggestion of the second pit stop, an alternative was raised about changing the track layout, especially in the port area, where it would be possible to widen the track and create a sequence that would increase overtaking attempts.
We still don’t know what the organization’s decision will be after the last race. Will the two-pit stop rule be maintained? Will new suggestions be raised for future years? Or will it simply accept the current track conditions? Regardless of the decision, the Monaco circuit will traditionally remain one of the most anticipated in the entire season.
