McLaren team boss Andrea Stella welcomes the new pit stop rules for the Monaco Grand Prix, but questions whether they will always have the desired effect. In an attempt to boost the entertainment value of ‘the crown jewel’, the FIA introduced a mandatory double pit stop for this year. According to Stella, this could lead to ‘awkward situations’ under certain circumstances.
The last edition of the Monaco GP was once again subject to criticism. Local hero Charles Leclerc did cross the finish line first, but that didn’t make the race any less – ahem – boring. After the crash of Sergio Pérez and both Haas drivers, the entire field could make a free pit stop, effectively deciding the final result. To make the main event in Monaco slightly more interesting, all drivers will be required to make two pit stops for a new set of tires in 2025.
Caution for Rain
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella is pleased with this new regulation, although he warns that ‘awkward situations’ could arise under certain circumstances. “Honestly, you approach it in the same way, with the same resources, with the same thought process as you would approach any other event,” the Italian told the media in Imola. “Let’s just say you have more restrictions, so you have to make some adjustments in how you handle this.”
“A bit of change after last year’s race is an interesting aspect,” Andrea Stella agreed. “I welcome these kinds of changes, although it will be a bit more difficult under wet conditions. So for dry conditions, I think it’s just interesting. When it starts to rain, I’m afraid it could lead to some awkward situations. Nevertheless, we are looking forward to it.” For now, it promises to stay dry during the Grand Prix, but if it unexpectedly starts pouring, it remains to be seen whether you should require the drivers to use three different sets of rain tires.”
