Max Verstappen has voiced strong opposition to introducing further gimmicks aimed at making the Monaco Grand Prix more exciting, warning that such measures risk transforming the race into a “Mario Kart” scenario. The Red Bull driver’s comments came following a dull event marred by a mandatory two pit stop rule implemented for all drivers in an attempt to boost action on the tight street circuit.
New Pit Stop Rules Fail to Spark Action in Monaco
Formula 1’s decision to enforce a compulsory two pit stop rule for all 20 competitors at the Monaco GP was designed to increase on-track battles. However, the race unfolded with very limited overtaking, resulting in a largely uneventful contest. This regulation also produced unexpected tactical moves from teams such as Racing Bulls and Williams.
Several teams deliberately slowed one driver to help their teammate leapfrog rivals, a tactic that came under scrutiny. George Russell of Williams engaged in controversial driving by cutting the chicane to overtake Alex Albon, for which he later received a drive-through penalty. Verstappen, commenting after the race during a Sky Sports interview, dismissed the rule’s effectiveness outright.
“Yeah, but you can’t race here anyway, so it doesn’t matter what you do, One-stop, 10 stops. Even at the end, I was in the lead, but my tyres were completely gone, and you still can’t pass. Nowadays with an F1 car you can just pass an F2 car.”
— Max Verstappen, Red Bull driver
“I get it. I don’t think it has worked.”
— Max Verstappen
Verstappen Rejects Further Changes, Criticizes ‘Mario Kart’ Style Ideas
When asked if more adjustments should be considered to boost excitement at Monaco, Verstappen strongly rejected the notion. He compared the idea to the whimsical racing game Mario Kart, cautioning against turning the sport into a gimmick-driven spectacle.
“Honestly, we’re almost then doing Mario Kart,”
Verstappen remarked.
“We would have to install bits on the car, and maybe you can throw bananas around. I don’t know. Slippery surface.”
— Max Verstappen
Red Bull Lacked Speed to Challenge Front-Runners
Finishing fourth behind Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri, Verstappen believed his team did not have the pace to compete against the top three drivers during the race. Despite leading in the closing laps due to a late strategic call by Red Bull, Verstappen said the team’s limitations were clear.
“There was nothing to lose. I had a big gap behind,”
Verstappen explained.
“Like I said, I could have done four stops and still the same position. For me, that’s Monaco for you. Qualifying is super important. Normally, when nothing bad happens you don’t really move forward and if you just do normal pit stops you just keep your position and it’s exactly what happened today.”
— Max Verstappen
“I don’t think we had the pace anyway to fight the guys ahead because every time I tried to stay with them my tyres were wearing a bit too much and graining a bit too much. P4 is definitely the maximum we could do.”
— Max Verstappen
Insights from the Monaco GP Reveal Challenges Ahead
The latest Monaco race showed that enforced changes such as mandatory pit stops may not deliver the anticipated entertainment, especially on circuits where overtaking is already difficult. Verstappen’s comments highlight the tension between maintaining the sport’s integrity and offering a compelling show to fans. With teams like Red Bull and drivers including Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri shaping the current competitive landscape, further innovation will require careful consideration to avoid undermining the racing quality.
As the F1 season progresses, how officials balance traditional racing values with audience engagement will be vital, especially on historic tracks like Monaco where the unique layout limits overtaking opportunities.