Formula 1 has introduced a new tyre regulation for this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix. Drivers will now be required to use three different tyre compounds during the race. This rule forces at least two pit stops per driver. The goal is to change the usual pattern of the race and add more strategy and excitement to what is often one of the least dynamic events on the Formula 1 calendar.
Monaco is a famous race but overtaking has always been very rare on its tight street circuit. The current generation of cars, which are wider and heavier since 2017, has made passing even harder. Last year’s race was especially slow. After an early red flag, teams were allowed to change tyres without pitting. This led to the top ten finishing in the exact order they started. Many drivers and fans criticized the race for its lack of action.
Despite the new tyre rule, passing remains difficult. Mercedes driver George Russell said that a driver needs to be about 4.5 seconds faster than the car ahead to have a 50 percent chance of overtaking. The new rule is not expected to greatly increase passing but could create some unpredictability. Teams will need to plan when to pit carefully and react quickly to any safety cars or other race events to gain an advantage.
Drivers have mixed feelings about the change. Some think the race could be calm, while others expect it might become chaotic. If there is a red flag during the race, teams could again change tyres without stopping, which might reduce the impact of the new rule. However, if the race goes smoothly, teams may try different strategies such as early double pit stops or quick reactions to safety cars, adding more tactical elements to the race.
Qualifying will still play a major role in deciding the race outcome. The driver who starts from pole position usually has a big advantage in Monaco. Early practice sessions showed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc leading the times. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris also showed good pace. Max Verstappen had some difficulties and placed 10th in the second practice session, while Lewis Hamilton was third fastest behind Leclerc.
The new tyre regulation may not make Monaco a race full of overtakes, but it could add some surprise and strategy to the event. Formula 1 hopes this change will bring new life to its most glamorous and well-known race.
