A new tyre rule introduced for the 2025 Monaco GP is set to shake up strategy on the sport’s most iconic street circuit in Monte Carlo, at least, that’s the hope. For the first time, Formula 1 drivers are required to use three different sets of tyres during the race. While widely referred to as a “two-stop rule,” the regulation is more complex, and its impact will depend on how Sunday’s race unfolds.
With overtaking nearly impossible around Monaco’s tight layout, the FIA’s aim is to inject some unpredictability into a race that often becomes a one-stop procession. However, as with many things in Formula 1, the fine print tells a more nuanced story.
What the three-tyre rule at Monaco GP 2025 really means
The regulation doesn’t explicitly mandate two pitstops. Instead, it states that drivers must use three different sets of dry-weather tyres across the race distance. In theory, a driver could still complete just one actual stop — if they change compounds during a red flag suspension, for example. That tyre swap would count toward the rule, just like a pitstop under green flag conditions.
It’s a crucial distinction because, as seen in past races, Monaco often produces early incidents. If a red flag occurs in the first few laps and teams change tyres during the stoppage, they would only need to pit once more. That scenario could neutralise the FIA’s intended effect and return the race to a one-stop format.
The governing body has already preempted some potential loopholes. For example, changing tyres at the end of the formation lap doesn’t count, and only the set a driver starts the race on — from either the grid or pit lane — qualifies as the first.
Teams weigh up the risks of strategic uncertainty
Although the rule stops short of mandating all three compounds, some wondered why it wasn’t taken further. But according to Pirelli’s Simone Berra, there’s little benefit given Monaco’s famously low tyre wear. “No, I don’t think it would have changed too much,” Berra told Motorsport.com. “The C6 could do 20 or 30 laps, so it’s not really an issue.”
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Still, there’s a significant difference in what each team can do. Frontrunners like Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren all enter the race without any fresh softs left, while McLaren is the only leading outfit with two new sets of hard tyres. Mediums remain the most balanced option, with all top drivers except Lewis Hamilton holding a fresh set for Sunday.
Andy Cowell, CEO of Aston Martin, admitted engineers were divided: “There’s a group of engineers saying, why has this been done to us? But we’re in the entertainment industry.”
Andrea Stella, team principal at McLaren, added: “As the race weekend came closer… the implications turned out to be much bigger than what we thought in the F1 Commission. We are still scratching our head.”
Could McLaren control the race?
While some midfield teams might attempt to gamble with early pitstops, that route is fraught with risk. “Because here, safety car, virtual safety car and red flag are quite common,” Pirelli’s Mario Isola explained. “If you use both the pitstops at the beginning and then you have a safety car, you damage your race.”
Instead, a scenario more likely to unfold is strategic control from the front — especially if Lando Norris retains the lead off the line. Helmut Marko said McLaren would dictate the tempo: “Let’s see how the race is with Norris — is he going quick or is he cruising? Last year they were nearly slower than a Formula 2 car.”
Marko noted how Norris could slow the pack and prevent others from making undercuts by trapping them in traffic. With no clean air to run into, rivals may be forced to follow his strategy, even if it’s suboptimal.
Max Verstappen acknowledged the unpredictability: “It might be a lottery… it’s impossible to know at the moment. You have to be prepared for any kind of scenario.”
That sums up the essence of Monaco 2025: strategy, flexibility, and a heavy dose of improvisation. And with overtaking nearly out of the question, winning the tactical battle might be the only path to victory.
What is the new tyre rule for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix?
The 2025 Monaco GP introduces a regulation requiring drivers to use three different sets of dry-weather tyres during the race. This doesn’t necessarily mean two pitstops are mandatory — if a tyre change occurs during a red flag, it still counts toward the requirement.
Does the new tyre rule mean drivers must make two pitstops?
Not necessarily. Although often referred to as a “two-stop rule,” the 2025 regulation only mandates three tyre sets, not two pitstops. A tyre change during a red flag can count, potentially reducing the need for multiple green-flag stops.
Why aren’t teams required to use all three compounds at Monaco?
Because tyre degradation in Monaco is minimal, requiring use of all three compounds wouldn’t significantly alter strategy. Pirelli says even the softest C6 tyre can comfortably handle long stints of 20–30 laps
