Is Monaco still fit for modern Formula 1?

CapeTalk's John Maytham is joined by motorsport journalist Hendrik Verwoed.

Listen below:

Is Monaco still fit for modern Formula 1?

After this weekend's race, some might feel like the Monaco Grand Prix fell short of expectations, despite new regulations introduced for the 2025 event. Intended to spice up racing at the sport’s narrowest and most processional circuit, the changes may have caused as many problems as they aimed to solve.

In a bold attempt to improve the event, the FIA implemented a unique rule mandating the use of three different tyre compounds during the race, effectively requiring two pit stops.

However, instead of shaking up the strategy, this only amplified one of Monaco’s most criticised traits — limited overtaking and an overreliance on pit-lane tactics.

Both teams at the front managed to secure top-10 finishes with both cars, highlighting how little the competitive order was disturbed. Once again, as has often been the case under the standard rules used across the other 23 races, the race seemed to hinge on the appearance of a safety car to provide any real excitement.

With widespread agreement in the paddock that the current format is unsustainable, pressure is mounting on the sport’s decision-makers to rethink the approach for 2026.

"There's a bigger picture... we've had racing cars in the streets on Monte Carlo on virtually the same circuit layout since 1929 and since the Formula 1 World Championship began in 1950, 75 years ago... for 71 of those years we've had racing and virtually for all those years, there's been complaints that it's a processional race."

- Hendrik Verwoed, motorsport journalist

"Unless they change the layout of the circuit or unless they change the cars dramatically from the current heavy, wide cars, we are not going to see a lot of overtaking in the streets of Monte Carlo... and we should accept that. The race has magic for different reasons, not for its multitude of overtaking opportunities."

- Hendrik Verwoed, motorsport journalist

"Formula 1 is a team game, and you often see situations where one driver assists their teammates to get into better positions, and that's exactly what we saw yesterday. So, the outcome of the race yesterday at the front end wasn't clear right up until the end, and I found that pretty exciting, and I really do not agree with all the doomsayers about this event."

- Hendrik Verwoed, motorsport journalist

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