HOW WILL F1 MONACO GP’S TWO-STOP-MINIMUM RACE PLAY OUT?

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix introduces a major strategic twist: a mandatory two-stop rule requiring drivers to use three different sets of tyres. While Monaco is historically dominated by qualifying position and track position, this new rule adds a layer of unpredictability rarely seen at the principality.

On the surface, the change could be seen as artificial, yet it offers the potential to shake up the usual processional race. In Monaco, strategy is already complicated by the tight layout, limited overtaking opportunities, and the outsized importance of track position. Adding an extra pitstop forces teams to rethink traditional approaches, especially when the effectiveness of undercuts and overcuts can vary wildly based on traffic, safety cars, or Virtual Safety Car (VSC) interruptions.

Front-runners will likely play it safe to protect their positions, avoiding early stops unless absolutely necessary. In contrast, midfield and backmarker teams may gamble with early pitstops, aiming to gain clear air and leapfrog rivals during the pit cycles. If many teams at the rear adopt the same early-stop tactic, the field may simply split into two trains, minimizing the benefit of such a move.

Safety cars and VSCs will further complicate planning. With one stop often covered under yellow flags, this year’s extra stop could make those interruptions more strategically influential or irrelevant depending on when they happen. Teams must manage this “two-stop debt” carefully, choosing when to “pay” it while keeping in mind the tight Monaco margins.

Drivers like Oscar Piastri and Esteban Ocon highlight that while qualifying will still likely dictate race outcomes, the new rule provides fresh chances for mid-grid teams to challenge higher positions. Piastri suggests that although overtaking won’t be dramatically increased, the strategy mix might still create a more dynamic race.

Lewis Hamilton welcomes the experiment, noting that trying something new is necessary to break Monaco’s strategic monotony. He emphasizes that while it’s uncertain whether the change will improve the race, the attempt is worthwhile.

In sum, the two-stop requirement transforms Monaco’s traditional format into a more complex chess match. Teams must adapt quickly to unfolding conditions, manage tyre life carefully, and respond to unpredictable race events. It won’t magically turn Monaco into an overtaking bonanza, but it could lead to unexpected results and a more engaging tactical battle on one of F1’s most iconic circuits.