F1 Round 8 - Monaco Grand Prix Review

May 26, 2025

The 2025 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, held on May 24–25, was marked by Lando Norris's commanding victory and the debut of a controversial mandatory two-stop rule that failed to enhance the racing spectacle.

Qualifying: Norris Sets the Pace

In Saturday's qualifying session, McLaren's Lando Norris secured pole position with a record-breaking lap of 1:09.954. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri completed the top three. The session was disrupted by two red flags: Andrea Kimi Antonelli crashed at the Nouvelle Chicane in Q1, and George Russell's Mercedes suffered a battery failure in Q2, halting in the tunnel. These incidents underscored the challenges of the tight Monaco circuit.

Race: Processional Despite Strategic Changes

Sunday's race saw Norris lead from start to finish, achieving his first Monaco win and McLaren's first at the circuit since 2008. Leclerc and Piastri maintained their starting positions to complete the podium. Despite the FIA's introduction of a mandatory two-stop rule—requiring drivers to use at least three sets of tires and two different compounds—the race remained processional, with minimal overtaking and the top four finishing as they started.

Mandatory Two-Stop Rule: A Failed Experiment

The FIA implemented the two-stop mandate to increase strategic variation and overtaking opportunities at Monaco. However, the rule was widely criticized. Max Verstappen, who finished fourth, sarcastically suggested adding more stops or even video game elements to make the race exciting, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the change. George Russell proposed replacing the race with two qualifying sessions, emphasizing the circuit's overtaking difficulties.