Russell sees tactical shake-up with Monaco’s new two-rule stop

George Russell believes this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix could take a very different turn – literally and tactically – driven by Formula 1’s new mandatory two-stop rule for Sunday’s race.

In a bid to spice up the show on the track and avoid the kind of processional snooze fests Monaco is infamous for, F1 has introduced a regulation that will require all 20 drivers to make two pit stops in the event’s 78-lap showdown.

The change was sparked in part by last year’s race, when Charles Leclerc cruised to victory without needing a stop after taking on fresh tyres during an early red flag period.

New Rule, New Race?

Russell reckons the new approach could indeed inject some much-needed unpredictability – and force teams and drivers to think differently. The Briton sees a potential benefit for Mercedes.

“We are excited for this weekend because we know quali has been a strength,” he said.

“We have been within a tenth of pole on so many occasions, yet to fully convert it. This two-stop strategy is going to be really interesting to see how it plans out.

“In the past, it was solely about qualifying and you could manage the gaps to the cars behind, you could back everybody up and just keep it tight. I don’t think that’s going to be the case this weekend.

“Race pace isn’t meaningless and we know that hasn’t been a strength. A little bit of mixed feelings.”

Uncertainty in Monaco’s Competitive Landscape

Monaco’s unique slow-speed layout has historically favored Ferrari, with Leclerc securing pole in 2021 and a win in 2024. However, the SF-25’s struggles in similar conditions this year muddy the waters.

Russell therefore remains cautiously optimistic about Mercedes’ chances, noting the fluid competitive order.

• Read also: Mercedes aiming to bounce back in Monaco after Imola ‘limitations'

“I think we’ve been probably on average the third-best team this season but being the third-best team has often found ourselves on the podium or qualifying in the top three so it’s not quite as straightforward as it was in the past,” he said.

“Red Bull only have Max performing at the moment. Lando and Oscar are both there in the race but sometimes their quali performance is a bit inconsistent.

“Equally, Ferrari sometimes have better races or worse races. They were pretty good at Imola in race pace, they were pretty good in Jeddah as well but now we’re in Monaco where they’ve been the kings of in the past but maybe their new car isn’t as suited.

“Right now, we’re not too sure.”

With the grid finely balanced and strategy potentially flipped on its head, Russell’s optimism could prove prophetic in what promises to be one of the most unpredictable Monaco Grands Prix in years.

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