The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix was supposed to be a bold experiment, with Formula 1 introducing a mandatory two-stop rule, but Martin Brundle one of the most vocal critics as teams exploited this in their strategy options.
Hopes were high for more excitement and unpredictability for the famously processional race. Instead, it prompted a wave of controversy that saw teams accused of turning the sport into a tactical farce.
Brundle, speaking after the race in his Sky Sports column, explained that while the intention to shake things up was fair, the execution left much to be desired.
“I won’t criticise anybody for trying in good faith to improve the show,” Brundle wrote of the Monaco strategy calls, “but I was a little surprised that it wasn’t mandated for one of those stops to be taken by, say, half distance.”
Without that constraint, teams began to manipulate the system. “It was also immediately clear that teams could use one car as a sacrificial lamb, driving slowly to help their other car have the necessary 21-second gap to take a pit stop,” Brundle added.
Williams, Racing Bulls criticised as Mercedes lose out
Examples of this tactic were evident. Both Williams and Racing Bulls were seen using one of their drivers to hold up the pack and create space for their teammate to pit. Williams team principal James Vowles even texted Toto Wolff mid-race to apologise, knowing that the decision had affected Mercedes.
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
“He sent me a text in the race. ’I’m sorry. We had no choice given what happened ahead.’ I answered, ’We know,’” Wolff told the press in Monaco.
The incident had direct consequences for George Russell, who was stuck behind Alex Albon and eventually tried to pass him by cutting the Nouvelle Chicane. Despite being told to return the position, Russell refused and accepted the penalty — a full drive-through rather than a standard time sanction. This ensured a finish outside the points in P11, breaking his early-season streak of consistent top-five finishes.
Gary Anderson, writing for The Telegraph, also weighed in: “I would argue that the punishment for actions like Russell’s should mean the driver is forced to hand the place back and potentially be given a time penalty, as well.”
Even rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli attempted a similar move but was instructed to return the place before Rascasse, preventing further penalties.
The FIA had already warned teams ahead of the race about exploiting off-track overtakes, but the lack of firm enforcement on strategy timing created a loophole. As Brundle concluded, it might have been “effective for some,” but it was “not pretty, or impressive… hardly what F1 stands for.”
