Rule change should ensure more tension in Monaco
Max Verstappen would have liked to climb into a helicopter with those who have something to say in Formula 1. He would then have turned a round over his adopted home Monaco and was looking for new curves and longer straight lines for the race track. « If you ask me about my opinion, then I would be happy to see what is possible », the world champion has long since clarified.
The weekend is really cool, but unfortunately the race on Sunday is a bit boring.
Max Verstappen
Because with the iconic Grand Prix in Monaco it is unfortunately the following year after year: « The weekend is really cool, the scenery great, » says Verstappen, « only the race on Sunday is a bit boring. »
Max Verstappen fights for his third win of the season in his adopted home. Photo: AFP
So when Formula 1 came to Monaco, the most prominent representatives always asked this question: Can a Schlenker be installed in the narrow streets of the principality that allows overtaking maneuvers? A new section on the water, for example, between Mirabeau curve and tunnel, with DRS zones and hard brake points.
Two pit stops against boredom
Before the next edition next Sunday (3 p.m.), however, these thoughts are now in the background – because the racing series has done something else against boredom. The new approach is significantly less spectacular than it would be a new route. From now on, every driver has to change at least two tires when it is run in Monaco, this obligation is not available for any other Grand Prix. It is a Lex Monaco, a small control revolution in the premier class.
Formula 1 hopes for a less predictable race output, more changes in positions through different strategies – a real reason to look at the race on Sunday. The pressure to do anything had increased again a year ago. In the Grand Prix 2024, an early accident had caused an interruption, which used all pilots for one, mandatory tire change – and then drove through until the end of the race. To protect the tires, they did it pretty leisurely. In Monaco you are not overtaken even when driving slowly.
It is often pure happiness. You throw the car into the curves and hope that you somehow get through.
Lewis Hamilton
It was so boring that even the Mercedes Motorsport chief sold the time. « A yogurt and an espresso » he got himself during the race, said Toto Wolff. « I’ve never done that before. » Verstappen would have preferred to have “a pillow” in the car at the time, the world champion Lewis Hamilton commented similarly.
Max Verstappen strikes back
The drivers actually love this route and their challenges. You have to control your huge, heavy cars through the guardrails. « It is often pure happiness, » says Hamilton, « you throw the car into the curves and hope that you somehow get through. » Qualifying on Saturday (4 p.m.), the fight for hundredths of a second, always becomes a real attraction – also for the TV viewer.
Lewis Hamilton has already won the Monaco Grand Prix three times. Photo: AFP
Now the race should be at least a little more exciting, something for strategy lovers. However, critics see the danger of chaotic conditions, for example because the teams want to complete their two stops very early.
Either way, there will hardly be any overtaking maneuvers. But it would actually need a little more street in Monaco.
