Monaco needs no bizarre rules: These simple fixes could save F1's crown jewel

20:00, 26 May

Updated: 21:50, 26 May

byToby Nixon

Gary Anderson, former Technical Director for teams such as Jordan and Jaguar, has voiced criticism of the FIA. The Northern Irishman believes the motorsport governing body needs to make several changes to its regulations.

During the race in the Principality, drivers were required to make two pit stops each—a new rule introduced in response to the 2024 edition. Last year, an early red flag caused by an incident between Sergio Perez and the Haas pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen gave everyone a 'free' stop. According to Anderson, however, this year’s change attempted to fix a problem that didn’t exist. The real issue, he argues, wasn’t whether one or two stops were needed, but rather what would happen if no stop was required at all.

Anderson suggests that no more tyre changes should happen under red flags

"That is a simple problem to fix: allow the teams to change tyres under a red flag in case of punctures from carbon fibre, but the replacement needs to be of the same compound. This means they still have to stop in the race to meet the two-compound regulations," said the Northern Irishman in The Telegraph.

Lando Norris on his way to victory at the Monaco Grand Prix

Anderson also believes the FIA should re-evaluate safety measures in Monaco. He highlights the many near-misses that have occurred over the years—most recently the close call between Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly—as evidence that the narrow street circuit continues to pose serious risks.

"We have seen over the years some horrendous closing speeds in practice and qualifying as drivers back off. There have been plenty of near misses and also some hefty crashes too. Look at what happened when Gasly rear-ended Tsunoda. And that was when they were both racing."

Therefore, what should be done in order to avoid these scary moments around the tight Monte Carlo streets? Anderson has another idea. "The easiest solution to stop drivers slowing to a halt to create a gap in qualifying is to have a maximum sector time rather than a maximum lap time.

"Pointing out that drivers can currently drive hard for two sectors and almost come to a standstill in the last part of the lap, as long as they don't exceed the specified lap time."

Faster cars in the pit lane? A dangerous idea in Anderson's eyes

He also sees no merit in the proposal to increase speed in the pit lane. "Well, I stood in the pit lane when there was no limit at all and drivers could go as fast as they liked. I can assure you it’s dangerous.

"Yet here we are going full circle from a controlled environment to increasing speed in the pit lane again. What is the point? If this change is made, will it just continue until a pit crew is wiped out?"

Yesterday in the Indy 500, former F2 driver Robert Shwartzman crashed into his pit crew at speed during the running of the race.