The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix was met with disappointment from both drivers and fans after a mandated two-stop rule was enforced.
The change was introduced to bring more excitement to the glamorous race around the streets of Monte Carlo, which has been previously been described as “processional” due to the lack of overtaking opportunities and the size of the current cars. However, in reality, it led to team tactics where drivers would work to create large margins in front of them, giving their team-mates ahead the opportunity to pit more efficiently.
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle shared his initial thoughts during the race, stating:
“I don’t like these regulations. I’m not liking it. I don’t want to see drivers all the way through the field playing a game. This is about excellence, about the highest point of motorsport and I don’t like to see so many drivers going slowly.”
What are fans saying?
Fans have been quick to share their thoughts on the new rule. Responding to a post from Autosport, one fan wrote, “This might have killed the Monaco Grand Prix, let’s be honest, it was horrible.”
Others have responded, writing, “Racing is pretty bad at Monaco. The cars purposely going slow was not a good look,” and “It was without doubt the most ridiculous GP ever. Boring and never again. Martin [Brundle] is right. If you’re gonna do a 2 stop, the first has to be within the first 20 laps or so. Never again.”
Another fan commented: “There were elements of the two stop that should work but the biggest cause for the lack of racing is the size of these cars – it was the same thing at Suzuka this year.”
Lando Norris, McLaren
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images
Amongst the criticism were suggestions for improvements for next year’s race. “Get rid of turn 10 & 11 & make it a DRS zone,” another fan said.
Another commenter also called for another DRS zone, stating: “We want to see pure racing. How about introducing another DRS halfway through the tunnel and remove the 2 corners after that. Also can widen the track in that segment if possible.”
Although the feedback on the post was overall negative, there were some who felt the two-stop minimum rule should stay, albeit with some tweaks. “Better than a one stopper. But they can tweak it. Keep the 2 stop minimum.”
Other reactions included:
“No. In fact, it makes me wonder why Monaco is still in circuit.”
“They can ask them to do 20 pit stops each , still there won’t be any overtakes in Monaco. Virtually no one gained a position the whole race.”
“We’ve seen some “interesting” strategy choices e.g. Mercedes, but that’s about it really.”
