System 1’s governing physique instituted a brand new rule for the Monaco Grand Prix, hoping to extend alternatives for overtaking and enhance the “racing spectacle.” Beginning this season, drivers are required to make two pit stops and use three completely different tires — together with two completely different compounds if the race is run in dry situations.
On Thursday’s media day forward of the Monaco Grand Prix, a number of drivers provided their ideas on what the rule may imply this weekend.
Max Verstappen, talking in the course of the FIA Press Convention, opined that it may go both means.
“I suppose it could possibly go each methods – it may be fairly simple, or it could possibly go fully loopy due to Security Automobiles coming into play or not making the suitable calls,” mentioned Verstappen. “I believe it’ll spice it up in all probability a bit extra. Usually, with one cease, after getting a very good pit cease and every part is okay, you then drive to the top and simply keep targeted and never hit the barrier.
“However possibly with a two-stop, it could possibly create one thing completely different – individuals playing, guessing when the suitable time is to field. So hopefully, it’ll spice it up a bit extra.”
Williams driver Alex Albon outlined that workforce technique may come into play within the race Sunday.
“I believe the most important factor is – clearly, we’re doing this to shake it up,” started Albon. :And the fear is that it doesn’t shake it up and it simply creates, such as you’re saying, a lap-one scenario the place everybody begins to return into the pits and simply tries to take among the house and use lap two, three, 4, 5 – no matter it might be – to push. Who is aware of?
“The most important factor should you converse to the workforce, and I believe each strategist, is that we don’t actually know the way it’s going to play out. Particularly within the midfield, it’s team-mates and the way they assist one another. An excellent instance can be Jeddah final 12 months with Haas, when Kevin (Magnussen) made a race the place he mainly parked the bus and allowed Nico (Hülkenberg) to have a free cease,” continued the Williams driver. “While you do work that round a monitor like right here with two stops, that’s positively potential. You don’t desire a race like that. That’s to not say I believe it’s a nasty concept to do a two-stop. I believe we have to strive one thing – however it might not likely change the fashion of the race.”
Talking within the different press convention session, Pierre Gasly admitted that he noticed “alternatives” with the brand new rule.
“I all the time see issues from the brilliant angle. So, I see alternatives. I see some unknowns, which we should always embrace quite than be afraid of. On the finish of the day, I’m not too positive anyone is aware of what that is going to do. It may not change a lot,” mentioned Gasly. “I believe what stays extraordinarily vital is qualifying. We all know should you get it proper in quali, you’ve finished an enormous a part of the job. However I’m positive it’s going to open up some potential technique, which we’ll should be on high of.”
Albon’s teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. outlined how the rule may decrease the significance of Saturday’s qualifying session — largely thought-about crucial of the 12 months — and switch the race into one thing resembling a “lottery.”
“(Qualifying) will likely be much less vital this 12 months. There is a component of lottery with the two-stop that we might want to keep watch over as a result of it’s going to throw some curveballs into technique and every part,” mentioned Sainz. “Currently Monaco has been too processional and that’s why I believe they’re bringing the two-stop. Most significantly it’s qualifying after which figuring out the right way to handle the race, so let’s see if there’s not an excessive amount of of a lottery.”
Different drivers who view the rule as a chance embody Fernando Alonso, and Oliver Bearman.
“In a means I believe it’s good, as a result of it’ll give some hope on Saturday evening,” mentioned Alonso when talking with the official F1 channel. “Usually at Monaco after Saturday kind of the positions are locked, however I believe due to this two-stop, I believe it’s going to be some hope and prospects for Sunday.
“I believe it’s a very good factor, clearly it’s a check, however we’ll see on Sunday evening – I’m trying ahead (to it).”
Alonso continues to be looking for his first factors of the 2025 season.
“If I used to be sitting in a McLaren this weekend as a favourite to be on pole then I might be a bit dissatisfied as a result of it’s one other uncertainty that you might probably lose a win for, however I hope this can provide us a chance to have an thrilling race,” mentioned Bearman.
“I’ve been attempting to consider some loopy stuff, however I believe that’s what Saturday evening will likely be about after qualifying. Our urge for food for threat will likely be very completely different relying on the place we begin.”
