F1 RACE, MONACO GP 2025: MANDATORY REQUEST TO UPGRADE ICONIC RACE
(Sports News, F1 Race News) Monaco GP has always been known as one of the most iconic and prestigious races in Formula 1, not only because of its long history but also because of the glamor and technical characteristics of this race.
First held in 1929, Monaco GP is one of the three races that make up the “Triple Crown” of world racing, along with the Le Mans 24h race and the Indianapolis 500.
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THE “UNIQUE” CIRCUIT
With narrow streets, tight corners, steep climbs and descents, and the famous tunnel leading to Monaco Harbour, this circuit demands absolute precision – where driving skills are more important than engine power. The smallest mistake can cost millions of dollars.
MORE THAN A RACE – A CULTURAL EVENT
The Monaco Grand Prix is more than a race – it is a cultural and social event that is full of sport, class and glamour. Technically, it is the most complex race: the cars are set to maximum downforce and there are few opportunities for overtaking, so qualifying is almost decisive for the final result.
And as usual this year, the drivers on the podium will wear the fifth edition Pirelli helmet, designed by Denis Dekovic in the colours of the Monaco flag.
BIG CHANGE: TWO MANDATORY PIT STOPS
As with Imola last week, Pirelli continues to use its three softest tyre compounds: C4 (Hard), C5 (Medium) and C6 (Soft), with C4 and C5 being mandatory for the main race.
The most notable change is the new rule: every driver must make at least two pit stops during the race. This is a change that is specific to this race, with the aim of adding excitement to a race that is often considered “monochromatic” or “boring” – as it was last year.
To ensure compliance with the regulations even in heavy rain conditions, each rider will be given an extra set of Wet tyres than usual.
NEW RULES EXPLAINED
The new provision is contained in Article 30.5, paragraph m of the Sporting Regulations:
“In Monaco, each driver must use at least three different tyre types (slick or wet). If no intermediate or wet tyres are used during the race, the driver must use at least two different slick tyre compounds, one of which is Hard or Medium.
Unless the race is abandoned and cannot be continued, failure to comply with the above requirements will result in the driver being disqualified from the race. In this case, 30 seconds will be added to the total time of a driver who fails to use at least two slick tyre compounds when required, or fails to use at least three of any tyre type during the race.
In addition, 30 seconds will be added to the total time of a driver who uses only one set of tyres (regardless of tyre type) during the race.”
WHICH STRATEGY IS BEST?
The lack of a specific pit stop interval creates uncertainty and opens up opportunities for drivers starting from the bottom to advance. The two-stop requirement also eliminates concerns about tyre wear – already low at Monaco – and opens up the possibility of softs, especially in the final stages if a safety car is deployed.
2024 IN REVIEW: “BLAND” RACING
Last year, only six drivers made pit stops, as the race was interrupted by a red flag on the first lap. That allowed everyone to change tyres and meet the mandatory two-compound rule early on. From then until the end of the race, there was little change in the standings – the top ten finished in the same order as they started.
MONACO CIRUIT
Monaco is 3.337km long, with 19 tight corners and very little run-off space, making collisions with the barriers quite common. Half of the track – from Turn 12 to Turn 3 – has been resurfaced to make it smoother. However, the new surface can initially cause tyre graining, especially in early testing.
FUN FACTS
Monaco GP was first held in 1950, as the second race of F1’s inaugural season. It was also Ferrari’s debut – the only team to have competed in every season since. Ferrari currently holds the record for most championships (15 drivers – 16 teams), race wins (248), pole positions (253), fastest laps (263) and podiums (830).
There have been 70 Monaco GPs to date, with the event being cancelled from 1951–1954 and 2020. The most successful driver at the event is Ayrton Senna with 6 wins, followed by Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher (5 wins). Senna also leads the way in pole (5) and podium (8).
LECLERC WINS ON HOME SOIL IN 2024
McLaren are the most successful team at Monaco with 15 wins, followed by Ferrari (10), while Lotus and Red Bull Racing have seven each. Ferrari lead the way in pole position (13) and podiums (57), well ahead of McLaren (28).
In particular, nearly 46% of winners have started from pole position, with 23% starting from P2, highlighting the importance of Saturday qualifying. However, in a rare race in 1996, Olivier Panis won the race despite starting from… 14th!
Home favourite Charles Leclerc won his first Monaco victory 12 months ago, will he repeat that feat this year, or will it be someone else? Watch the Monaco GP 2025 with the following schedule:
Friday, 23/05/2025
FP1: 18:30 – 19:30
FP2: 22:00 – 23:00
Saturday, 24/05/2025
FP3: 17:30 – 18:30
Qualifying: 21:00 – 22:00
Sunday, 25/05/2025
Main race: 20:00
