Piastri Warns About the Two-Stop Strategy in Monaco
The championship leader, Oscar Piastri, has expressed his caution about the new two-stop pit stop rule for the Monaco Grand Prix. This modification could significantly affect the race strategy, especially for those starting from pole position.
Following last year’s edition, which turned into a procession, Formula 1 implemented this new rule to increase the excitement on the street circuit.
The regulations require drivers to use three sets of tires and, therefore, to make two pit stops. This has generated various theories about how the teams will approach Sunday’s race.
My head is still untangling from some of the meetings we’ve had today. I think it’s very complicated now with the two stops. Also, only using three sets of tires, because if there are red flags like we saw last year, it’s not as simple as it was.
Oscar Piastri
Piastri, who has achieved three pole positions and four victories for McLaren this season, commented that he is still analyzing the implications of the new rule. He believes that there will be a big bet on safety cars and red flags, especially for those who are not in points positions.
Piastri believes that the pole position is still the best place to start the race, but anticipates that it will bring more complications than in previous Monaco Grand Prix.
His McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, who is 12 points behind Piastri in the standings, agrees that there are more opportunities for drivers starting from further back. Norris prefers to focus on qualifying before thinking about race strategy.
There’s an opportunity for everyone. I think there can be more luck involved for anyone, so it’s easier to probably have a surprise winner this weekend. Which is good and bad.
Lando Norris
Norris added that he will not worry about the strategy until after qualifying, as his main focus is practice and qualifying.
