The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix reignited a familiar debate in Formula 1: can anything be done to make racing in Monte Carlo more exciting? With overtaking virtually impossible and strategy hampered by a two-stop mandate introduced for this year’s race, many fans and insiders were left unimpressed.
Former F1 driver and current Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) chairman Alex Wurz has offered a potential solution. Posting on social media, Wurz presented detailed plans for modest but impactful changes to the Monaco layout—changes that could boost racing quality while preserving the track’s historic charm.
This year’s two-stop rule, introduced to prevent a repeat of 2024’s red-flag-induced sprint to the finish, backfired spectacularly. Teams slowed their lead cars to create time gaps for pit stops, which saw frontrunners cruising several seconds off the pace. Even 2009 World Champion Jenson Button declared the result a “mockery” of the sport.
Wurz’s redesign targets three key corners to enable more overtaking
In a video presentation, Wurz revealed three areas of the Monaco circuit that could be modified to promote more overtaking without requiring major structural work.
- 1. Move the Nouvelle Chicane further down the track Wurz proposes extending the tunnel section and shifting the chicane closer to Tabac. This would lengthen the braking zone and make it harder for drivers to defend their position. “I am very convinced… that moving the chicane later… should be possible,” said Wurz.
- 2. Reprofile the Rascasse corner By moving the apex two to three metres outward and slightly widening the track, this change would create more room for divebomb attempts and force drivers to defend harder. “It should at least engage in more fighting, more intense pressure, and perhaps overtaking,” he added.
- 3. Widen the entry and exit of the Fairmont Hairpin Expanding this section by just over two metres would allow cars to attempt overtakes on entry and carry more speed through to the tunnel, potentially triggering overtakes into the Nouvelle Chicane. “It means drivers… have an easier opportunity to do a divebomb,” Wurz explained.
The feedback from fans was overwhelmingly positive. One supporter wrote, “These are very, very interesting changes Alex.” Another commented, “This could actually help to save Monaco.” Others even added ideas of their own, such as altering the Anthony Noghès corner to extend the DRS zone.
With Formula 1 cars only becoming slightly narrower under the 2026 regulations, many believe layout tweaks like those proposed by Wurz are essential for Monaco to retain its prestige as a compelling race, not just a glamorous event.
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Toto Wolff has floated ideas like a minimum lap time to prevent teams from exploiting slow driving tactics, but unless real changes are made to the circuit, such proposals may be little more than stopgaps.
Monaco hasn’t seen significant layout alterations since 2015. But with growing pressure from fans, drivers, and pundits alike, Alex Wurz’s ideas could spark the most meaningful shift in decades at Formula 1’s crown jewel.
What changes has Alex Wurz proposed for the Monaco Grand Prix circuit?
Alex Wurz suggested moving the Nouvelle Chicane, reprofiling Rascasse, and widening the Fairmont Hairpin to create more overtaking chances.
Why are F1 fans calling for Monaco track changes after the 2025 Grand Prix?
Fans were frustrated with teams backing up the field under the new two-stop rule and supported Wurz’s ideas to improve overtaking.
Will F1 change the Monaco GP circuit in the future?
While no changes are confirmed, growing support for Alex Wurz’s proposals may push F1 to consider updates before 2026 car regulations take effect.
