Richard Parks Max Verstappen and George Russell openly criticized Formula 1’s new rule for mandatory pit stops at the Monaco Grand Prix, calling the change ineffective after a 78-lap race with no on-track overtakes. The drivers argued that the two-stop rule failed to improve the racing and suggested rethinking the event format.
Formula 1 introduced the compulsory use of three different tyre compounds to increase strategy and unpredictability. However, Verstappen pointed out that the core issue remains: modern F1 cars are too large and heavy to overtake on Monaco’s narrow streets. “You can’t race here anyway so it doesn’t matter what you do—one stop, 10 stops,” Verstappen said. “Even when my tyres were gone, I couldn’t be passed. We were almost doing Mario Kart. Maybe next time we install banana peels or slippery surfaces.”
The Red Bull driver briefly led due to a delayed second pit stop but lost position after pitting. McLaren’s Lando Norris won from pole position in a race that had strategic interest but lacked wheel-to-wheel battles.
Russell, who qualified poorly because of an electrical problem and spent much of the race stuck behind slower cars, shared Verstappen’s frustration. Forced to overtake illegally and serve a penalty, he questioned the race’s relevance. “The two-stop clearly did not work at all,” Russell said. “Maybe it’s time we stop pretending this is a race. Make it a qualifying event. One on Saturday, one on Sunday. Give out points for both. That’s what we love—and that’s what fans enjoy most.”
Russell also criticized the event atmosphere, noting that “99% of the people here are sipping champagne on yachts—they don’t care who wins.”
Despite Formula 1’s attempt to add excitement with new pit strategies, Sunday’s race highlighted Monaco’s ongoing challenge: a visually stunning circuit that produces little real racing action. Drivers are increasingly calling for major changes to improve competition and fan experience.