Charles Leclerc Weighs In on Monaco Pit Rule Change

Alex Harrington | Feb 21, 2025

Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) is introduced before the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Charles Leclerc is very enthusiastic about the new plans for specific regulations at the Monaco Grand Prix. As Speedcafe reported, the proposal will require extra pit stops, which is aimed at making the race more exciting for fans at the often processional Monaco race. Leclerc commented that strategy will become more important, which he thinks is beneficial. It's a welcome change to a race traditionally known for being processional due to its narrow circuit layout where overtaking chances are limited.  

The idea for these changes was born during the F1 Commission's first meeting of 2025. The main goal is to make the Monaco Grand Prix more interesting, moving away from the usual line-up determined mainly by qualifying.

The commission has already approved the additional pit stops. Fans have mixed feelings about these proposed changes. While some are excited for potentially more captivating races, purists argue that it's just a gimmick. Leclerc, who won at his home race last year, said the changes would add much-needed excitement to Sundays, which he finds often lack action.  

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Monaco has a long history in Formula 1, dating back to 1929. It's one part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport and is considered one of, if not the highlight of the F1 calendar. Despite its prestige, the narrow streets of Monaco often lead to races where the starting grid, established during qualifying, dictates the final result. The FIA, the governing body for Formula One, along with Stefano Domenicali, has been working hard to make the sport more appealing, and these changes are a part of those efforts.  

Leclerc mentioned that drivers and teams need to keep an open mind about such changes.

"Yeah, because strategy will become a bit more of a thing then, which I think is a good thing. Monaco is super exciting on a Saturday. For us drivers, it's incredible. It's the best qualifying of the year. Then, on the Sunday, it can get a little bit too... there's not much happening. This is a way to spice things up a bit more."

He continued:

"We've got to be open-minded. If it's the direction that we are going to take, then we need to see if that actually makes a difference or not and be open to change back if that's not the right solution."  

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Formula One has been trying out new approaches, like adding sprint races, to boost excitement during race weekends. They also imposed a cost cap in 2021 to make the competition fairer among teams. However, the unique challenges presented by the Monaco circuit continue to stir debate over how to genuinely make the race more thrilling.  

Apart from the changes in Monaco, other Grands Prix are also preparing for future spectacles. Silverstone and Singapore are getting their 2025 entertainment line-ups ready. Silverstone will have British musicians like Sam Fender during their four-day event in an attempt to improve the overall experience for attendees.

"Having attracted record crowds of 480,000 last summer, the home of British motorsport is set to go bigger and better when it hosts an eclectic mix of British music heavyweights this year," F1 published.

RAYE, Fatboy Slim, and Becky Hill will also be playing over the race weekend.

Singapore is to feature artists such as Elton John to add flair to the night-time race.

"We are incredibly excited with how the full entertainment line-up is progressing, but could not wait to announce that these superstars will be performing at the Marina Bay Street Circuit this year. Other acts will be unveiled in the coming months to complete the full race weekend entertainment programme."  

The trend of building a festival out of a race weekend is becoming much more popular. This change aims to draw in a wider audience who may not be traditional motorsport enthusiasts, making race weekends a more inclusive festivity. As Formula One continues to evolve, these changes, both on and off the track, reflect a larger effort to connect with a more diverse fan base.  

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