Monaco Grand Prix: Has F1’s iconic race become boring?

News Desk

September 9, 2025

The answer is not a straightforward yes or no.

Known for its grandeur, Monaco has always been an iconic track since its first race in 1929, with rows of yachts along the harbour and a star-studded guest list in attendance.

It is considered one of motorsport’s triple crown events – an unofficial achievement – along with the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans. Three different, but equally challenging races, and steeped in a rich history.

In recent years, however, there have been discussions on whether the streets of Monte Carlo have made for a stagnant track, although a contest drivers still want to win.

“This is really boring… I should’ve brought my pillow,” said four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen after finishing sixth in the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix.

The circuit is a unique challenge for drivers, with roads around the principality narrow with tight turns and a tunnel.

With modern cars now much larger, this makes overtaking difficult.

Saturday’s qualifying is considered the most exciting part of the weekend as the race classification is deemed a foregone conclusion as the track averages just 10 overtakes per race, the lowest of any track in the last 10 years.

The 2025 edition included a mandatory two-stop rule to add excitement to the 78-lap event.

However, it was straighforward for the top three as McLaren’s Lando Norris controlled the race from start to finish to win ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and team-mate Oscar Piastri.

The strategy change was introduced after the 2024 race had just four overtakes, in a race where Leclerc converted pole position to a race victory.

The 2023’s edition saw 22 overtakes because of rain, while in 2022 there were 13 on wet tarmac.

The 83rd staging of the Monaco Grand Prix will take place from 5-7 June in 2026.

It has been on the calendar since F1 began in 1950, becoming a permanent fixture from 1955, other than during the Covid-affected 2020 season.

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