As the excitement builds for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix weekend, discussions in Barcelona remain focused on enhancing the racing experience in Monaco. Following the implementation of two mandatory pit stops during this year’s Monaco Grand Prix—which did not yield a noticeable increase in race excitement—former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz has proposed several modifications to the Monte Carlo circuit aimed at promoting overtaking in its notoriously narrow streets. These suggestions have sparked a variety of reactions from current drivers, and Motorsport.com has compiled their insights.
### Charles Leclerc’s Perspective
Charles Leclerc, a key driver for Ferrari, shared his thoughts on Wurz’s ideas. “I find them intriguing,” he stated. “To be honest, I’m not fully aware of all of Alex’s suggestions. I’ve glanced at them on social media, but I’m not sure if I’ve seen the entirety of his proposals. I did notice he suggested three modifications to the turns, which I think could be very beneficial. For instance, the alteration to Turn 10, where he proposed extending it into the sea, may be a bit ambitious. However, the other two suggestions seem promising.”
Leclerc acknowledged the inherent challenges of Monaco, stating, “Will these changes dramatically transform the race day experience? I sincerely doubt it. However, I believe we should exhaust every possible avenue to enhance the Sunday event.” He pointed out that Monaco has traditionally been a race where action is limited compared to others, but he emphasized the thrill of qualifying, which remains unparalleled. “Qualifying in Monaco is extraordinary. It’s a unique experience for drivers, and that’s what makes this event so special.”
### Pierre Gasly’s Viewpoint
Pierre Gasly also weighed in on the matter, expressing that an open-minded approach to potential modifications is essential. “I’ve seen Alex’s proposals, and I think we need to explore all possibilities,” he remarked. “Next year, we’re shifting to 1.80-meter-wide cars instead of the current 2-meter ones. This reduction will create a 40-centimeter difference, which could improve the situation. However, observing the challenges in Formula 3, overtaking remains notably difficult. We may need to consider widening certain sections of the track.”
Gasly acknowledged that he isn’t the one to devise solutions but emphasized the importance of collaboration among experts to explore feasible proposals. He suggested, “Having areas where drivers can switch lines while braking could also facilitate overtaking opportunities. There are numerous aspects we can investigate.”
### Esteban Ocon’s Input
Esteban Ocon praised Wurz’s insights, stating, “Alex has fantastic ideas. Every time we analyze things with him, he brings a driver’s perspective, which is invaluable. While his proposals may not be the complete solution, they certainly point us in a positive direction. Ideally, we could eliminate chicanes altogether and extend the track up to Turn 12. We would need some runoff space at Turn 12 to allow for overtaking and implement DRS just after the tunnel, enabling drivers to maintain speed all the way to the finish line.”
He added, “What Alex has put forth is probably the most realistic approach we can take. It would improve the situation, but I still feel it might not be enough.”
### Alex Albon’s Assessment
From his viewpoint, Alex Albon found Wurz’s proposals to be sensible. “One of the core issues is the downhill braking and the bumps leading into the chicane,” he explained. “This makes it challenging to confidently overtake. Wurz’s suggestion of extending the braking zone could significantly increase drivers’ confidence. When you brake late while descending, the added pitch can destabilize the car, leading to accidents.”
Albon also touched on the use of DRS, stating, “We’ve seen DRS activated at Turn 1 in circuits like China and Japan. If we had manual control over DRS, drivers could decide when to engage it, such as using it through the tunnel and deactivating it after the corner. This could enhance the overtaking potential.”
### Carlos Sainz’s Perspective
Carlos Sainz provided a breakdown of Wurz’s suggested changes, particularly around the Loews section. “He proposed minor adjustments to the chicane after the tunnel to tighten its entry, making it a bit narrower,” Sainz noted. “Additionally, he suggested widening the entry to Loews and tightening the entrance to Rascasse. While I believe these tweaks could help, they might only address 1-5% of the broader issues we face. Even with these changes, drivers could still position their cars strategically to avoid overtaking.”
He further elaborated, “The challenge lies in the current width of the cars. A driver can slow down considerably and still maintain their position on the track, which leads to the slower pace we often see in Monaco.”
### George Russell’s Insights
George Russell shared a more philosophical take on the situation. “Monaco has always had its unique characteristics,” he observed. “I’ve seen some of the proposed changes, and while they probably won’t harm the race, I think we need to acknowledge the limitations of the circuit. The primary overtaking opportunity exists out of the tunnel, where drivers naturally position themselves in a way that makes it difficult to pass.”
He concluded, “Formula 1 benefits from having Monaco on the calendar. It provides the most exhilarating qualifying sessions of the year, and while the races can be less exciting, they help us appreciate the thrill of other venues.”
### Oscar Piastri’s Opinion
Oscar Piastri echoed sentiments about track modifications being key to improving overtaking chances. “To encourage overtaking in Monaco, we need to consider altering the track layout or significantly reducing the size of the cars,” he suggested. “While next year’s cars will be smaller, they still need to be more compact for real improvement. Perhaps a go-kart format would be more effective.”
He acknowledged the difficulty in making significant changes, adding, “There isn’t much space to work with. Although implementing more pit stops seems like a quick fix, it hasn’t proven effective, so I believe track adjustments are our best option.”
### Conclusion
As discussions around improving the racing spectacle in Monaco continue, the insights from drivers reveal a spectrum of opinions on how to navigate the challenges of overtaking at this historic circuit. While some advocate for track alterations, others emphasize accepting Monaco’s unique characteristics. As the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, the conversation surrounding these proposals showcases the drivers’ commitment to enhancing the sport and the ongoing evolution of Formula 1.
