Verstappen and Russell Slam Monaco GP Pit Stops: ‘We Were Almost Playing Mario Kart’!

"Verstappen and Russell Critique Monaco GP Pit Stops: 'Like Playing Mario Kart!'"

Max Verstappen and George Russell criticized F1's mandatory pit stops for the Monaco Grand Prix, deeming them ineffective and comparing the race to Mario Kart.
Jake Thompson26 May 2025Last Update :
‘We were almost doing Mario Kart’: Verstappen and Russell slate Monaco F1 GP pit stops | Formula One
www.theguardian.com

The Monaco Grand Prix has once again sparked controversy in the world of Formula One. Max Verstappen and George Russell have openly criticized F1’s recent decision to enforce mandatory pit stops, a move intended to enhance the excitement of the race. On 2025-05-26 05:30:00, both drivers expressed their disdain, with Verstappen likening the experience to playing Mario Kart.

6 Key Takeaways
  • Verstappen and Russell criticize pit stop policy.
  • Monaco Grand Prix lacks overtaking opportunities.
  • Verstappen compares racing to Mario Kart.
  • Russell suggests changing to qualifying format.
  • Spectators more interested in luxury than racing.
  • F1's strategy failed to create excitement.

Despite hopes that two mandatory pit stops would create strategic drama, the race revealed a deeper issue: modern F1 cars are simply too large and heavy to facilitate overtaking on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. With no on-track passes during the race, the excitement fans crave was notably absent.

Fast Answer: Verstappen and Russell criticize Monaco GP’s mandatory pit stops, highlighting the lack of overtaking and suggesting a shift to a qualifying-focused format for future races.

This raises an important question: is it time for F1 to rethink its race formats? With drivers advocating for a shift to a qualifying weekend, the sport must consider what truly engages its audience. Key points include:

  • Verstappen and Russell agree that the two-stop rule failed to create excitement.
  • No overtakes were recorded during the entire race, highlighting a significant issue.
  • Russell proposed a dual qualifying format to enhance viewer engagement.
  • Both drivers noted that many spectators were more focused on luxury than racing.
The ongoing debate about race formats in F1 signals a potential shift in how the sport engages its global audience.

As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see if F1 implements changes that could revitalize the sport. Will future races prioritize excitement over tradition?

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