Leclerc weighs in on mandatory pitstop plan for Monaco GP
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For decades, the Monaco Grand Prix has been the crown jewel of the Formula 1 calendar, a race steeped in glamour, history, and breathtaking scenery.
But for all its prestige, the tight, narrow streets of Monte Carlo have long been criticized for producing processional races, where overtaking is nearly impossible and strategy often takes a backseat.
Now, in a bid to shake things up, Formula 1 and the FIA are considering a bold new approach—mandating multiple pitstops in Monaco to inject an extra layer of unpredictability.
And while the Principality's local hero, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, is open to the idea, he remains cautious about whether it will truly deliver the excitement fans crave.
More Strategy, More Action?
Leclerc, who finally broke his Monaco curse with a victory on home soil last year, is broadly supportive of the concept. For him, adding strategic elements to Sunday's race could be a game-changer.
"Yeah, because strategy will become a bit more of a thing then, which I think is a good thing," he explained.
It's no secret that the real thrill of Monaco comes on Saturday, where drivers push their machines to the absolute limit on the most unforgiving circuit of the season.
"Monaco is super exciting on a Saturday. For us drivers, it's incredible. It's the best qualifying of the year," said the Scuderia charger.
But when it comes to race day, the magic often fades, with cars locked into position barring any major incidents.
"Then, on the Sunday, it can get a little bit too… Yeah, there's not much happening," he admitted.
By forcing multiple pitstops, the hope is that teams will be compelled to take different strategic approaches, increasing the chances of position changes—even if overtaking remains a rarity.
"This is a way to spice things up a bit more," Leclerc added.
Keeping an Open Mind
However, while he acknowledges the potential benefits, the Ferrari star is also wary of the unintended consequences of such a rule change.
"We've got to be open-minded," he reasoned. "If it's the direction that we are going to take, then we need to see if that actually makes a difference or not and be open to change back if that's not the right solution."
His caution is well-founded. Over the years, Formula 1 has introduced various tweaks aimed at improving the show, with mixed results.
From high-degradation Pirelli tires to the Drag Reduction System (DRS), not every innovation has delivered the excitement it promised.
Monaco's unique layout presents an additional challenge – no matter how many pitstops are mandated, track position will likely remain king. If every driver is still playing a game of follow-the-leader, will the extra stops really make a difference?
Monaco's Future—and a Changing Landscape
Despite ongoing debates over its on-track spectacle, Monaco remains a non-negotiable fixture on the F1 calendar, with a contract in place until at least 2031.
The race is also set for some notable changes in the future, including a shift to an early-June slot starting in 2026 and, for the first time in its history, a title sponsor in 2025, with Tag Heuer getting top-billing. .
While these adjustments signal a willingness to evolve, the question remains – will mandatory pitstops be the key to making Monaco more than just a high-speed parade?
For now, Leclerc and the rest of the F1 grid will have to wait and see whether the proposal makes it past the discussion stage at the FIA's F1 Commission.
But one thing is clear: if anyone knows the heartbreak and elation that Monaco can bring, it's Charles Leclerc. And if he believes a change might be necessary, perhaps it's an idea worth exploring.
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