Bernie Collins doubts the effectiveness of the two mandatory stops in Monaco

It all started with a simple observation: overtaking in Monaco is a bit of an impossible mission. For several years, the Monte-Carlo circuit, which has seen the greatest F1 legends, has been criticized for its lack of fluidity. Modern cars, increasingly wide and long, make overtaking even more difficult. Thus, over the years, the on-track action seems to have dried up.

The solution? Impose two mandatory pit stops. It seems simple, but according to some experts, including Bernie Collins, former F1 strategy engineer, it could have the opposite effect of what is intended.

A double-edged strategy for the pilots

Collins, who worked for years as a strategy engineer for teams like Force India and Aston Martin, points out a major problem with this rule: « Often, a two-stop strategy is actually the fastest way to do Monaco. But because of the traffic, that’s not the case », explains Collins.

She goes further in her reflections: if a driver is at the back of the pack, this rule could indeed advantage him. If I were last, I would stop on the first and second laps. This way, I could avoid pit lane traffic and use the solo race to catch up with the pack. When others make their stops later, I could overtake them. This reasoning could completely disrupt the balance of the race and, far from making the spectacle more exciting, could instead mire it in opportunistic strategies.

Faced with this situation, the FIA might consider limiting overly bold strategies by imposing a minimum duration for each stint, similar to what was done at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. There, Pirelli had imposed a certain number of laps before drivers could change tires. The goal was to enforce a certain pace, but it didn’t really work, and Collins is well aware of it.

« Unless there is a minimum time like in Qatar, it could further limit strategic options. It is not a perfect solution, as it imposes a constraint on strategy. By imposing a minimum relay, the strategic option for some teams and drivers is cut off », criticizes Bernie Collins. She is right to question: if the two-stop strategy becomes too rigid, the very interest of this change could be canceled.

A rule that adds complexity without solving the real problem

The goal is commendable: to make the race more interesting, but by modifying a key aspect of the race, the FIA might open a Pandora’s box. Collins succinctly summarizes the dilemma: « This rule attempts to address a specific issue, that of overtaking. But in Monaco, it has always been known that strategy takes precedence over everything else. Whether it’s one or two pit stops, the result will always depend on how the race unfolds and traffic management. » For her, the new rule may not bring the anticipated improvements.

One thing is certain: this Monaco Grand Prix will not resemble previous editions.