Nikolas Tombazis in gesprek met George Russell

'Problematic' Monaco pit stop rule to play a part in next year's race

16:46, 07 Aug

Updated: 17:23, 07 Aug

byJules van der Velden

The necessity for two pit stops seemed to make the Monaco Grand Prix much more attractive, but the FIA had not counted on the drivers who deliberately drove slowly. For the time being, the rule also exists for next season in the regulations. But will it stay that way?

A brief look back. The FIA required teams this season to make at least two pit stops. Some manufacturers cleverly took advantage of this. Williams drivers Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz created a gap of more than thirty seconds halfway through the race.

That margin was deliberate, so they could both make a pit stop without losing places. Achieving an overtaking manoeuvre is almost impossible on the narrow street circuit. Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson were also guilty, but they scored points.

"There is definitely an issue we need to address."

- Nikolas Tombazis

It was the topic of discussion after the race weekend. Driving extremely slowly on the track is dangerous and moreover not at all sportsmanlike.

Monaco rule essential for exciting Grand Prix

In an interview with Motorsport.com FIA Chairman of the single-seater commission, Nikolas Tombazis, says they want to prevent a repeat of 2025. "First of all, we don't think that what we saw this year is necessarily the thing to repeat or the thing to aim for. There is an issue to be addressed." In other words: the FIA still finds the rule necessary for an exciting race.

“At the moment the 2026 rules still include the two pitstops for Monaco, but we are in August and Monaco is in June next year. The intention is to discuss it more in the Sporting Advisory Committee.”

The FIA Chairman explains that they can use the help of the teams. “Clearly the request to the teams is to be creative and propositive. We at the FIA are not sold on any particular solution yet. If there are proposals that will make it better, then we will definitely support them. This is one of the topics that will be discussed with the Sporting Advisory Committee and the F1 Commission in the next few meetings," he says.