FIA mandates two pitstops to spice up Monaco Grand Prix

Formula 1 drivers will have to make at least two pit stops at the Monaco Grand Prix in an attempt to inject some jeopardy into a glamorous race where overtaking is almost impossible.

F1's governing body, the FIA, confirmed Wednesday that it would mandate using at least three sets of tyres "with the primary intent of improving the sporting spectacle of this race given the notable difficulty in overtaking at this circuit."

The FIA said in a press release: "The WMSC reviewed a proposal regarding the implementation of a mandatory 2-stop strategy (in both wet and dry conditions) for the Monaco GP, with the primary intent of improving the sporting spectacle of this race.

"Following recent discussions in the F1 Commission, a specific requirement for the Monaco GP has been approved mandating the use of at least three sets of tyres in the race, with a minimum of two different tyre compounds to be used if it's a dry race," the FIA explained..

The overtaking challenges for wide modern F1 cars has seen recent races in Monaco often decided largely by grid positions from Saturday qualifying.

Last year´s race was red-flagged after first-lap crashes and resumed with a standing restart, which allowed all cars to change tires. There was little action after that as Charles Leclerc took the victory without stopping again.

"Monaco is super-exciting on a Saturday, for us drivers it’s incredible, it’s the best qualifying of the year," Leclerc said last week after the measure was discussed by the F1 Commission.

"Then on the Sunday it can get a little bit... there's not much happening. So I think this is a way to spice things up a bit more," he added.