The Monaco Grand Prix is a true test for drivers, with its notoriously challenging 78 laps that are some of the most difficult in the Formula 1 calendar. Here, the iconic dangers loom from the tight walls that line the track.
At the end of this intense race, a kind of immortality in F1 can be achieved.
Sadly, in recent times, the race experience has felt more like a parade. Nowadays, the larger, modern cars have made close racing quite tricky. To spice things up a bit, the governing body has introduced a new two-stop rule for this year’s Monaco Grand Prix. This means drivers will have to make two mandatory pit stops and utilize three different tire types. If the race remains dry, they also have to use at least two different tire compounds.
You might have heard the term “Voyage of Discovery” in relation to the F1 races, and it’s likely to be echoed today.
Randorris snagged pole position with a new track record for the Monaco Grand Prix this past Saturday, but it’s anyone’s guess how today’s race will unfold.
Let’s dive into potential tire strategies for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix.
What is the new two-stop rule for the Monaco Grand Prix?
In many races, drivers are required to use two different tire compounds, necessitating at least one pit stop.
This year’s Monaco Grand Prix has a twist: drivers must make two different pit stops and use three tire sets while still adhering to the compound rules. Essentially, teams could choose softer medium and hard strategies.
But a minimum of two stops is mandatory.
What happened in last year’s race?
Last year’s event certainly highlighted the phrase “the straw that broke the camel’s back” regarding the new rules. After years of discussions about how to improve the Monaco Grand Prix, the 2024 race kicked off with a significant crash on the opening lap involving Nicohilkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, and Sergio Perez, which brought out a red flag due to the debris.
Once the race resumed, all drivers switched to hard tires, and the leading cars took it easy, managing their tires and slowing down the pace overall. So, the race had more of a parade vibe, as the entire field trailed behind Charles Leclerc around the streets of Monte Carlo.
I had a chat with Oscar Piastri, who finished second last year, just a few days after the Monaco race.
He remarked, “It’s incredibly tough to overtake in Monaco. When I was right behind Charles for many laps, it wasn’t due to any slowness on his part.”
“You can set up for overtaking, but there aren’t many clear opportunities. If he wanted to speed up, he’d simply do it with his foot,” Piastri explained.
He acknowledged trying to overtake once but recognized how difficult it was to get by.
“I gave it a shot at Turn 8, but honestly, it was actually tougher than I anticipated. That didn’t pan out, but that’s just Monaco for you.”
Which tires are available to each driver?
Typically, strategizing starts with tire options, but this week we might want to first consider what tires drivers have at their disposal.
According to Albert Fabrega, here’s what we know:
It’s interesting to note that most teams have at least two fresh tire sets from various compounds, but Aston Martin has opted for scrubbed tires on race day. Fernando Alonso has three scrub sets: two hard sets and one with C5 medium tires and a C6 soft tire.
Lance also has two sets of scrubbed C4 hard tires, one scrubbed medium set, two soft sets, and a fresh pair of C6 tires.
Up front, Oscar Piastri and Randorris start with two sets of fresh hard tires, and a fresh set of C5 medium tires, respectively. Norris starts in P2, while Charles Leclerc has fresh C4 hard tires along with a new and a used C5 set. Max Verstappen, who moved up to P4 after Lewis Hamilton’s grid penalty, has a fresh set of C4 hard tires, a fresh set of C5 medium, plus four used soft tires.
Pirelli’s motorsports director Mario Isola predicted that the C6 soft tires would come into play today.
“All three compounds are viable. Some teams, like Red Bull, Racing Bulls, and Sauber, only have one hard and one medium tire, meaning they have to use C6s during the race,” he noted.
What are your strategy options?
Let’s be real: who really knows?
In the post-qualifying report, Pirelli mentioned there are “so many theoretical possibilities” for the team.
“From a strategic standpoint, tomorrow’s race will be unique,” Isola said. “The new regulations specifically for this Grand Prix require at least three tire sets, so there’s a lot of room for different pit stop strategies, especially if a safety car makes an appearance.”
One approach for teams, especially those starting further back, might be to begin with one compound, pit at the end of the first lap for a second compound, and then pit again on lap two to switch to hard tires.
The teams at the front could aim to start on soft tires and race aggressively with shorter stints.
The starting line to turn 1 is one of those crucial spots where overtaking is somewhat feasible, making a strong launch essential for the front driver.
What do drivers expect?
Much like us, anyone climbing into their car later today doesn’t know what the Monaco Grand Prix will bring this year.
“I’m not sure. It’s probably tough to predict, especially with these new rules shaking things up,” Norris said after qualifying.
“If it were last year’s rules, I would have had a clearer expectation, but things have certainly changed this time. My focus was mainly on qualifying.”
“I think tomorrow might be a bit chaotic, and we’ll see how it unfolds. There’ll be a lot of strategic maneuvering to determine who rises to the top. We could face pressure from other cars, which may add to the intrigue.”
“Honestly, no one really knows what to expect,” Piastri chimed in.
In the press conference, Leclerc mentioned the term “unknown” while discussing the new rules, highlighting the significance of executing well at turn 1.
“Like I said, it’s hard to know what to expect. We’re all stepping into unknown territory. More pit stops could bring more chances,” he elaborated. “However, I don’t think what happens on one lap will change the overall outcome significantly. The pit stops are going to be crucial.”
“I suppose the top positions aren’t likely to be too shocking, but there might be surprises further back which could impact the front,” he concluded.
“It’s bound to be interesting.”
