FIA Announces Last-Minute Curfew Change for Monaco Grand Prix

The FIA has announced a last-minute rule change for the Monaco Grand Prix, reducing the curfew period by three hours for six team members responsible for tyre fitting. The adjustment, applied on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, is due to "the unique logistical challenges" of the Monte Carlo street circuit, which is opened to the public each night. Additionally, the governing body confirmed that Straight Mode—the 2026 active aero system replacing DRS—will not be used this weekend, leaving only Overtake Mode available for overtaking attempts.

Why it matters:

Monaco's narrow, temporary layout creates tight timelines for teams, who lack 24/7 garage access. The curfew relaxation ensures tyre preparation can be completed without delays, a critical factor given the importance of tyre strategy on the low-grip street circuit. The absence of Straight Mode also underscores the difficulty of implementing active aero on Monaco's short straights, though Overtake Mode still provides a passing opportunity when within one second of the car ahead.

The details:

• Curfew change: For this event only, the curfew is shortened by three hours on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for up to six operational personnel per team, exclusively for tyre preparation post-fitting from the tyre supplier. Teams must nominate these individuals in writing to the FIA before curfew each day.
• Background: Restricted Period 1 normally runs from 42 to 29 hours before FP1; Period 2 from 18 to 4 hours before FP1. No operational personnel are allowed in the circuit during these times. The change specifically addresses the logistical strain of Monaco.
• No Straight Mode: Unlike other 2026 rounds, Monaco will not feature Straight Mode. Drivers can still use Overtake Mode—which boosts engine power—when within one second of the car in front, likely on the start/finish straight between Anthony Noghes and Sainte Devote, the only viable overtaking zone.
• Historical context: Under previous DRS regulations, Monaco had a single DRS zone. With the shift to active aero in 2026, Straight Mode was expected to replace it, but Monaco's short straight makes it impractical.

What's next:

The revised curfew will allow teams to manage tyre logistics more smoothly, but the lack of Straight Mode may reduce overtaking opportunities. Practice sessions on Friday will give the first indication of how Overtake Mode performs on the tight streets. The weekend's unique conditions will test both team logistics and driver skill in Monte Carlo.