- The Monaco Grand Prix was won on Sunday by home hero Charles Leclerc
- It was a race won at tortoise pace and many drivers were left disappointed
- Hamilton says mandatory three stops should be introduced to speed up the process
Lewis Hamilton last night led calls for a major overhaul of the rules specifically for Monaco – possibly with three mandatory pit stops.
The seven-time world champion, who partly lives in the principality, spoke on behalf of a disappointed group of drivers – and television viewers around the world – when he said “people fell asleep” watching Sunday’s race won at turtle’s pace through tears by home hero Charles. Leclerc.
Hamilton agreed with the sentiments of Max Verstappen, who said he should have brought a cushion. “It wasn’t eventful,” said the British star, who finished seventh.
‘Everyone was driving so slowly. So it didn’t matter which tire you were riding on. We were seconds behind the pace.
‘I don’t know what to say. That is up to you to report. I’m sure people fell asleep.
Lewis Hamilton has led calls for a major overhaul of the rules specifically for Monaco
Hamilton spoke for many drivers when he said that “people fell asleep” while watching the race
‘Our tires can withstand an entire race. We have too hard tire compounds here, so we have to find ways to make it even more exciting, perhaps even a mandatory three stops.’
The Grand Prix was sterilized by a crash on the first lap. All the drivers immediately changed tires – the regulations require two mixtures to be used during a race – and then limped to the finish an hour and 45 minutes later at half speed, knowing that overtaking was virtually impossible on the narrow roads.
This allowed Ferrari’s Leclerc to take pole and take his first victory since 2022 in Austria.
Of the few passing opportunities, Verstappen said: ‘We all know what it’s like in Monaco. In recent years it has become even more difficult with the width of the cars, but that is nothing new.’
Asked whether he thought the event should be scrapped, the Dutchman said: ‘First of all, I would like to make some small changes in Monaco because that would make it even more exciting.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took advantage of a first-lap crash to claim victory in his hometown
“Overall the weekend is really cool; it’s the Sundays that are a bit boring. The scenery is still great, but if we could find a way to race some more, why not? That would be my preferred solution.’
The race is due for renewal after next year’s edition and is expected to remain on the calendar, with organisers, the Automobile Club de Monaco and Formula 1 moving towards a new deal for almost £20 million.