Carlos Sainz has raised significant concerns about the quality of racing in the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, following a race that many drivers, including himself, found underwhelming. The introduction of a mandatory two-stop rule, requiring drivers to use three different tire compounds, was intended to enhance overtaking and excitement on the notoriously narrow Monte Carlo circuit. However, the strategy largely failed to deliver, with the top four finishers maintaining their starting positions throughout the race. Sainz, who finished 10th, criticized the race as “manipulated” and “boring,” highlighting how teams like Racing Bulls and Williams deliberately slowed their drivers to favor teammates benefiting from the mandatory pit stops. He pointed out that both he and teammate Alex Albon lost approximately 40 seconds each due to these orchestrated tactics, which he likened to the controversial “Crashgate” incident.
The race’s lack of on-track action was further marred by incidents such as George Russell’s penalty for cutting a chicane, a move he made out of frustration after being unable to overtake for several laps. Sainz, in his capacity as the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) director, expressed deep concern over these manipulative strategies, calling for the FIA to implement stricter regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Max Verstappen also criticized the two-stop rule, sarcastically suggesting it was a failure and proposing even more extreme measures, like adding elements from video games, to spice up the race. Other drivers, including Lando Norris and George Russell, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that genuine competition should take precedence over artificial attempts to increase excitement.
Despite the strategic changes, the Monaco Grand Prix continued its trend of processional races, with the podium positions mirroring the starting grid for the third consecutive year. This outcome underscores the ongoing challenges in creating competitive on-track action at the narrow and challenging Monaco circuit.
In light of these issues, Sainz has called for a reevaluation of race strategies and regulations to ensure that future races maintain the integrity and excitement that fans expect. His outspoken criticism reflects a growing frustration among drivers regarding the current state of racing in Monaco and the need for reforms to enhance the sport’s authenticity and competitiveness.
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix highlighted the complexities of balancing innovation with tradition in Formula 1. While the introduction of the two-stop rule aimed to inject excitement into the race, its execution revealed significant flaws. The widespread criticism from drivers and the lack of on-track action suggest that any future attempts to alter the race format should be approached with caution and thorough consideration. As the sport continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the lessons from this race will influence future regulations and race strategies.