Domenicali hits back at critics of Monaco two-stop experiment

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has struck back at critics of the controversial two-stop rule trialed during last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, standing firm on the decision to shake up proceedings at the famously processional race.

While the ploy sparked a storm of criticism from drivers and fans, Domenicali insists the experiment has at least sparked discussion and attention around race strategy.

The mandatory rule, a first for F1, was intended to counter Monaco’s notorious lack of overtaking opportunities by introducing a strategic wildcard. Unfortunately, its practical impact on the race itself was minimal.

With the exception of Lewis Hamilton’s gain through a pit stop and Fernando Alonso’s retirement, the top ten remained virtually unchanged throughout the race. Still, Domenicali argued the experiment wasn’t a failure in his view.

“The Right Attempt”

“We know that the width of the street is [limited] and the cars are quite big, so the attempt is to create attention to that,” Domenicali told Sky Sports F1.

“It was great to see that the day before everyone was thinking that everyone has to [do a pit] stop on the first lap, and a lot of discussion, so no one understood exactly anything. I think it was the right attempt and the attention was definitely there.”

Indeed, the anticipation over how teams would handle the enforced second stop led to a flurry of strategic and tactical speculation.

But the actual racing left many disillusioned. Some teams responded to the rule by deliberately slowing one car to hold up rivals, allowing their teammates to pit and maintain track position – leading to what Alexander Albon called a “very ugly” race. Lando Norris went further, accusing F1 of attempting to “manufacture” the sport.

Still, Domenicali welcomed the fact that the format had people talking: “Of course you know that teams took the strategy out of it. The good thing is that we are talking about it.”

Monaco’s Unyielding Magic

Despite the criticism, Domenicali remained upbeat about the wider success of the Monaco Grand Prix, noting record-breaking crowds and interest.

“The Monaco event has been amazing,” he said. “We never had so many people, so many boats, so much attention. That means that the event itself is what Formula 1 wants, and that is really great.”

• Read also: Wurz offers three track fixes to solve Monaco’s overtaking woes

He also emphasized that Monaco’s unique limitations as a racing venue leave little room for physical changes to improve the racing.

“I think that [over] 75 years, they want[ed] to try to do something different,” Domenicali said. “I mean, we are talking with the city, but as you can imagine, it’s not easy at all.

“So let’s enjoy the event that has been, at the end of the day, fantastic.”

As debate rages over whether the two-stop rule will return in 2026, Domenicali offered no clear answer – but made clear that Formula 1 must remain open to innovation, even if it means challenging tradition in the sport’s most historic settings.

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