F1 Drivers at Risk of Double Penalty After New FIA Rule Changes for Monaco Grand Prix
Formula 1 drivers could face a higher risk of penalties during the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, following significant changes introduced by the FIA. This weekend marks the 82nd edition of the iconic Monte Carlo race, and in an effort to revive the unpredictability and excitement of the event, F1’s governing body has made a bold move by enforcing a new mandatory two-stop rule for the race.
Traditionally, Monaco has been considered one of the more processional races on the calendar due to the narrow, twisting layout of the street circuit, which makes overtaking nearly impossible. With cars becoming larger and more aerodynamically complex in recent years, track position has become even more vital. In fact, most races at Monaco have been largely decided during Saturday qualifying. To counter this predictability and reintroduce an element of strategy, the FIA has mandated that every driver must make at least two pit stops during Sunday’s Grand Prix.
This change not only alters the race dynamics but also increases the chances of drivers receiving penalties. More pit stops mean more time spent in the pit lane – and with that comes a higher risk of speeding infractions. In conjunction with the new two-stop requirement, the FIA has also reduced the pit lane speed limit at Monaco from the usual 80 km/h to 60 km/h, citing safety concerns due to the narrow and compact nature of the pit lane at the circuit.
The FIA confirmed the new speed limit in an official statement, referencing Article 34.7 of the sporting regulations, which allows the race director to change the pit lane speed at certain tracks where safety is a concern. Monaco isn’t the only venue to see this change — the Albert Park Circuit in Australia also had its pit lane limit reduced to 60 km/h earlier this season.
The consequences of breaking the pit lane speed limit can be severe. In past races, even minor violations have resulted in fines and penalties. Last year, Lance Stroll was fined €100 after exceeding the pit speed limit by just 0.2 km/h. On the other hand, Valtteri Bottas, who has since left the F1 grid, exceeded the limit by 14.6 km/h and earned his team, Sauber, a hefty €1,000 fine.
With the new rules in place, drivers now risk not just one, but potentially two penalties during the race if they make errors during both pit stops. Teams will have to be vigilant, ensuring that drivers remember the lower speed limit and correctly engage their pit limiter system — an electronic tool that automatically limits the car’s speed in the pit lane. However, this system requires manual activation, and drivers have already been penalized this season for failing to use it correctly.
As the F1 grid prepares for Sunday’s showdown in Monaco, teams and drivers alike will need to tread carefully. With strategy shaken up by the two-stop rule and stricter pit lane enforcement, even the slightest mistake could prove costly.
