Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One Influence Triggers F1 Rule Change for Iconic Race
March 7, 2025
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Lewis Hamilton has revealed that the recent mandatory two-stop rule change for the iconic Monaco Grand Prix was his idea. He stressed that he had been pushing Formula One for the change for many years because a one-stop strategy made the race less exciting for fans.
Known for its breathtaking views along the French Riviera, the Monaco GP is a tight street circuit through Monte Carlo. However, considering modern F1 cars are wider and longer, the street race offers limited overtaking opportunities.
With the idea originally proposed at the World Motor Sport Council, the Monaco GP will be a two-stop race from the 2025 season, meaning teams will have to pit twice during the race. The change will apply in all conditions, wet or dry, and the primary motive of the move has been to improve the viewership experience.
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team drives on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team drives on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images
The current regulations suggest that drivers must utilize two tire compounds in a dry race, which means teams must stop at least once in every Grand Prix. But with two stops being mandated for the Monaco GP, drivers will have to use three tire compounds.
This is expected to offer a lively twist to the race as teams will have to apply unique strategies to optimize the use of different tire compounds at various stages of the race.
Hamilton believes the big rule change was triggered by the requests he had made in the past to have two stops during the Monaco GP. He said:
“I’m pretty sure that was my idea anyways.
“But if you go back and look at some of the transcripts of previous years, I’ve been mentioning the two stop for years.
“I think Monaco has to be at least a two-stop. The one-stop was never really great.
“That [Monaco] Grand Prix is a great grand prix, but the race has more to offer in the race, hopefully. Maybe with more than one pit stop.
“That won’t fix it all. We’ll still see some of the issues of not overtaking and stuff, but I think it will make it more exciting. So I’m all for it.”
The Monaco GP made its Formula 1 debut in 1950 and has secured a permanent spot on the calendar since 1955. Despite the increasing demand for F1 and with new locations being added to the calendar from across the world, the Monaco GP secured a long-term contract extension recently that will see it host premier-class races until 2031.
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix will take place from May 23-25, marking its 75th anniversary.
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