New pit stop mandatory: Myth Monaco: How Formula 1 combats boredom

In the iconic port of Monaco, the luxurious yachts are close together, every day it becomes more hustle and bustle in the principality. How the Formula 1 spectacle is particularly on the Côte d’Azur becomes clear before the first exit on Friday. Hardly any sporting event in the world is the focus of the rich and beautiful in spring as much as this. Monaco – that’s luxury, see and be seen. In the end, it was one of the most sporty things: pretty boring. That should finally change on Sunday (3 p.m./Sky).

For the first time and initially once there will be two pit stops for all pilots for all pilots. The FIA ​​motorsport association also reacts to the race in the previous year and hopes for more tactical possibilities. Thanks to a red flag, the drivers were able to change their tires in the first round in 2024 and thus fulfilled the obligation to use at least two tire mixtures. After that, they drove to the end without a break, basically in the same order. Action? None!

Nowhere is less often overtaken

On the narrow asphalt band from Monaco there was an unspectacular home win by Ferrari-Pilot Charles Leclerc. In the past, the most special Grand Prix of the season did not stop at all in phases, the drivers only used one set of tires, the starting line -up usually gave the order at the finish line. Is everything different this year thanks to the special rule?

The fact is: nowhere is rarely overhauled as in Monaco. Just twelve maneuvers have been on average since 1984. Quite a few would like to see that this changes – there are mind games. A conversion with new Überholzone, for example on the legendary swimming pool, could remedy the situation. Changes also failed due to the unwillingness of the organizer from the Automobile Club de Monaco, who is often perceived and less compromising.

Formula 1 boss: Every driver wants to win in the principality

And so in the principality, mostly the driver, who is on the first starting position. Qualifying on Saturday is particularly important, because on the shortest route in the racing calendar with 3.337 kilometers, overtaking with the broad and long racing cars is hardly possible. Despite these problems, the contract with the course was extended until 2031.

“The streets of Monte Carlo are unique,” said Formula 1 Managing Director Stefano Domenicali: “The Grand Prix of Monaco remains a race that all drivers want to win.”

With all justified criticism, Monaco is a place for Formula 1 like no other. Superstars from Hollywood and the sports world sit in the stands and enjoy one of the oldest and most traditional races in motorsport with a special flair on the sunny Côte d’Azur. Almost everyone knows the large price with its enormous driving challenges. Juan Manuel Fangio, Niki Lauda, ​​Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher – they have already won the narrow streets.

When the heart beats higher

The driver is challenged in the noble location with only around 39,000 inhabitants every second, because the guardrails are very close, errors are punished tough. “You feel that your heartbeat is a bit higher every time on the qualification round than on a different route. There is a lot of adrenaline,” said world champion Max Verstappen. The drivers love this, which is why colleague Fernando Alonso also emphasized: “Monaco always belongs in the racing calendar.”

Monaco was driven in Monaco in the first Formula 1 year 1950, and the classic has been part of the program every year since 1955. Last year it was speculated that Monaco could lose his regular place quickly, and maybe only every two years will have a race on the Mediterranean coast. But although new applicants for World Cup runs have to push into the market with a lot of money and make old space, the principality stays with it.

In the principality it gets really expensive

Monaco enjoyed financial advantages in the past, paying significantly fewer arrival money than other places. Even if no new figures are officially known, a lot suggests that this changes and the Grand Prix also takes place at least seven times thanks to higher payments. If you want to be there, you have to dig deep into your pocket anyway. The lying fee for a week in the port can be over 120,000 euros for the largest private yachts, and VIP packages are also available for three days with training, qualifications and races in the area of ​​up to 20,000 euros – of course without hotel room.

“Monaco is there because of his inheritance and his story. That is all,” said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner before the recent contract extension and demanding changes: “The crown jewel also has to go with the time. If you stop, you go backwards.” The new pit stopper can only be a start.