Monaco GP Track Changes: What F1 Drivers Really Think

Alex Wurz, Chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), has put forward proposals to modify the iconic Monaco Formula 1 circuit in an effort to improve the racing spectacle.

Following a largely processional race in Monaco this year, despite a mandatory two-stop strategy trial, calls for change have intensified. The historic street circuit is renowned for its challenging narrowness, which severely limits overtaking opportunities.

Wurz's suggestions include altering the Fairmont hairpin, extending the track from the tunnel into a 90-degree corner, and widening the Rascasse corner.

Driver reactions to these proposed changes have been mixed:

• Charles Leclerc (Monaco native): While acknowledging the difficulty of implementing some changes, such as the proposed extension into the sea at Turn 10, Leclerc believes Wurz's ideas are good. He is skeptical about the extent to which the changes would improve Sunday's action but stresses the importance of making every effort to enhance the race.

• George Russell (Mercedes): Russell questions the necessity of track modifications, suggesting that the primary overtaking opportunity is exiting the tunnel. He believes Monaco's unique challenge and exhilarating qualifying session are valuable assets to F1, even if the race itself is often uneventful.

• Carlos Sainz (Williams): Sainz feels the proposed changes would offer only a marginal improvement (1-5%), stating that the car's width still allows drivers to go slowly and prevent overtakes. He suggests more significant modifications are needed.

• Esteban Ocon: Ocon praised Wurz's ideas as being in the right direction but doubted their sufficiency. He proposed radical changes like removing chicanes and extending the flat-out run after the tunnel to Turn 12, with added runoff areas.

• Oscar Piastri: Piastri humorously suggested go-kart races as a solution, given the current F1 cars' dimensions. While acknowledging the need for track tweaks, he noted that next year's slightly smaller cars might offer a minor improvement, but significant changes would require cars to be much smaller.