George Russell Advocates for the Elimination of Monaco Grand Prix in Favor of Dual Qualifying Races

Formula 1 driver George Russell has proposed the idea of eliminating the main race at the Monaco Grand Prix, suggesting it be replaced with an additional qualifying session after experiencing challenges during the recent event.

Russell faced a power unit problem in qualifying due to driving over a bump at turn 1, placing him 14th on the starting grid. He expressed disappointment over the modifications to the race rules, particularly the mandate for two pit stops, indicating it was ineffective.

Max Verstappen, who finished in fourth place, echoed Russell’s views, stating that enhancing the race spectacle was futile due to Monaco’s notoriously tight track that hinders overtaking. He likened the two-stop regulation to elements from the video game Mario Kart. Lando Norris, who started from pole position, ultimately secured victory, with the top four drivers maintaining their starting positions.

Post-race, Russell reflected on the two-stop initiative, stating, “I appreciate trying something [new] this year for two stops. Clearly, it did not work at all. For all the drivers, qualifying is the most exhilarating moment of the weekend. Should we accept that there should be no race, and instead have a qualifying race? One on Saturday and one on Sunday?”

He further suggested that points should be awarded to the pole sitter along with a trophy, while additional points could be given to the victor of the Sunday session. Russell remarked, “That’s what we love most. I believe that’s what you [media] enjoy watching too. And 99 percent of the other spectators in Monaco are just sipping champagne on yachts, so they don’t really care.”

During the race, Russell chose to take a penalty for leaving the track to gain an advantage, highlighting his eagerness to escape the slower pace set by Alex Albon’s Williams, which allowed him to utilize his car’s potential.

The rule change was initiated by team votes aimed at enhancing the racing experience in Monaco. While it didn’t significantly alter the leading positions, it prompted various teams and drivers to collaborate for their own benefits. However, Mercedes struggled with teamwork as Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli qualified closely.

Verstappen mentioned, “You can’t race here anyway, so it doesn’t matter if you make one stop or ten stops.” He shared his own experience of attempting to stay out on older tires anticipating a late safety car arrival. He concluded, “At the end, I was leading, but my tires were completely worn out, and you still can’t overtake. Nowadays, an F1 car can barely pass a Formula 2 car on this track.”

Some drivers, including those from the Racing Bulls team, found the rule change beneficial; however, many others felt the problem lies more with the track layout than with strategy adjustments.

Verstappen humorously remarked, “We were almost doing Mario Kart. Then we’d have to add features to the car, and maybe you can throw bananas around! Slippery surface.”

It is believed that the two-stop rule will remain in place and may be refined after the initial race, with many believing this strategy was at least an improvement over last year’s single-stop format.