Did the two pit stop experiment work in Monaco?

Monaco’s Two-Stop Strategy: Did It Actually Improve the Show?

It’s no secret that overtaking in Monaco is notoriously difficult. The tight, twisty streets of the Principality have long made it one of the most challenging circuits on the Formula 1 calendar—and, for spectators, sometimes one of the most processional. This year, in an effort to inject more excitement and unpredictability into the race, officials mandated a two-stop pit strategy for all drivers. The idea was simple: force teams and drivers to take more risks, keep them on their toes, and perhaps open the door for more on-track action.

As we saw again on Sunday, the results were mixed. The rule change certainly added a new layer of strategy to the event, but did it truly spice up the show? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

The Pros

More Strategy, More Drama
With two pit stops required, teams had to think carefully about tire choice and timing. This created opportunities for clever strategy calls, late-race gambles, and potentially more position changes as drivers cycled through the pits at different times.

Forcing Drivers to Push
Having to make an extra stop meant drivers couldn’t simply cruise to the finish on a one-stop strategy. They had to push harder to make up time lost in the pits, which could lead to more mistakes, more lock-ups, and more excitement for fans.

Opening the Door for Unexpected Results
The added complexity of a second stop increased the chance of errors—both by drivers and pit crews. This could shake up the order and give mid-field teams a shot at a surprise result.

The Cons

Overtaking Still Nearly Impossible
Despite the extra pit stops, overtaking on track remained as difficult as ever. Monaco’s narrow streets and lack of straights meant that even with fresher tires, drivers struggled to find opportunities to pass.

Processional Racing Persisted
While the pit stops added some intrigue, the race itself often settled into a familiar rhythm. Without the ability to overtake, the field order remained largely unchanged, especially at the front.

Risk of Safety Car Chaos
With more cars coming into the pits, the risk of incidents in the pit lane or on track increased. While this could add drama, it also raised the possibility of the race being decided by luck rather than skill.

Did It Work?

Overall, the two-stop strategy added a new dimension to Monaco, but it didn’t fundamentally change the nature of the race. The extra pit stops created more opportunities for strategy and mistakes, but overtaking remained elusive. For some fans, the added complexity was a welcome change; for others, it wasn’t enough to overcome Monaco’s inherent limitations.

In the end, the two-stop rule succeeded in keeping the drivers and teams on edge—but if the goal was to transform Monaco into a true overtaking spectacle, there’s still a long way to go. The Principality’s unique charm lies in its difficulty and history, and while new rules can add excitement, they can’t rewrite the laws of physics—or the layout of Monaco’s streets.