Monaco: Vowles and Wolff want to review circuit rules
During the Monaco Grand Prix, a heated discussion between James Vowles and Toto Wolff attracted a lot of attention. Far from a personal disagreement, the two team managers were pointing the finger at regulations they felt were ill-suited to the specificities of the Monaco circuit.
The Monaco Grand Prix has once again highlighted the limitations of the princely circuit in terms of spectacle. Implementing a rule requiring two mandatory pit stops was not enough to energize the race. Williams, faced with this constraint, adopted a defensive strategy by using its drivers to slow down the pack, allowing both its cars to finish in the points.
This tactic frustrated George Russell, who, in attempting to overtake Alex Albon by cutting the chicane, received a penalty. However, James Vowles, Williams’ director, justified this approach by stating: « We were forced to exploit the rules to score points. »
A passionate exchange on possible improvements
After the race, an animated discussion between James Vowles and Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ director, was caught on camera. Contrary to appearances, it was not a personal disagreement. Vowles explained: « Toto was simply shouting because the noise in the pit lane was intense, but we were discussing how to improve these rules. »
The two men discussed potential solutions, such as introducing a minimum lap time or adding a “joker lap,” inspired by other disciplines, allowing drivers to take a shortcut or a strategic detour to encourage overtaking. Vowles specified: « It wasn’t a frustration with each other, but with the regulations and the way the race unfolded. »
For his part, Wolff revealed that Vowles sent him a message during the race: « He wrote to me: ‘I’m sorry, we had no choice given what was happening ahead.’ I replied: ‘We understand.’ »
While Formula 1 is committed to Monaco until 2030, these discussions highlight the need to adapt the regulations to preserve the sporting interest of this iconic Grand Prix.
JV reveals all on his conversation with Toto Wolff in Monaco during the latest episode of the @krakenfx Vowles Verdict. Watch now ⬇️
— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) May 29, 2025
