Autobayng News Team
Formula 1 has introduced a mixture of long-term and one-off rules changes ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. But will they enliven a race which tends to be more a procession around the principality?
Here are the talking points for this weekend.
Passing possible?
If passing has become too easy and inconsequential under Formula 1’s latest regulations, what will that mean for the one track where overtaking had become essentially impossible?
The 2026 cars are 5% narrower than last year, which may prove useful at the narrowest track on the calendar. However at 1.9 metres wide they are still 10cm broader than they were 10 years ago, and passing was hardly straightforward then.
Electrical power deployment could therefore offer the best hope to a driver attempting to make a pass. But channeling all that power at once on such a low-grip circuit will be a challenge – as will avoiding contact if high closing speeds occur.
Whether overtaking is less of a virtual impossibility will depend on these factors and other changes the FIA has made for this weekend.
Formula one-off
With an eye one the particular challenges Monaco offers, the FIA has imposed some unusual one-off rules this weekend.
Drivers will not be allowed to use their adjustable wings, preventing them from reducing drag in acceleration zones to gain speed. On top of that, out of concerns for safety, the FIA has acted to cut cars’ top speeds.
It will do this by changing the point at which the cars’ maximum electrical power is reduced. The cut in electrical power will now begin at 200kph instead of 290kph- a significant reduction.
But is a cap on speeds needed? And what does it say about the quality of F1’s rule book that it is resorting to custom restrictions for different tracks?
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A U-turn for the better?
F1 has at least dispensed with another one-off rule which proved deeply unpopular after its introduction last year. The requirement for drivers to use three different sets of tyres in Monaco only has been dropped.
Drivers slated the rule, describing the race as “ugly” and criticising F1’s attempt to “manufacture” racing.
Having hyped up the rule ahead of last year’s race, the FIA and F1 quietly shelved it during the off-season. It was not the first time the current administration has U-turned on a brainwave which it under-thought and over-sold. Hopefully it won’t be the last.
Will anyone gain from power unit changes?
F1’s first change to its rules on engine compression ratios will come into force ahead of this weekend’s race. The rules still impose a maximum cylinder compression ratio of 16:1, but a new compliance test is being introduced.
Previously the ratios were only checked while the engines were cold. Amid suspicion this was being circumvented at higher temperatures by at least one manufacturer – rumoured to be Mercedes – a new test conducted at operating temperatures is being imposed.
From this round both ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ tests will be performed. As of next year, only the ‘hot’ test will apply.
Will this disadvantage any manufacturer – particularly the one whose works team has won every grand prix so far this year? If so, Monaco is the track which is least likely to reveal any change, having the least power-sensitive layout on the calendar.
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Biggest threat to Mercedes?
Even without the power unit rules change, Mercedes’ rivals have good reason to hope the extreme outlier that is Monaco will give them the best chance to beat the form team of 2026 so far.
Ferrari have been tipped by many, as Monaco should negate their slight disadvantage on top speed. There would be no better way for Charles Leclerc to mark his new Ferrari contract than with a home win.
McLaren have consistently been the closest threat to Mercedes so far, and could have won in Miami, but have been tripped up by reliability and operational problems. Red Bull’s form has been more variable, but Max Verstappen is never to be discounted.
However, as was the case in Canada, the short and narrow run to the first corner in Monaco should reduce the impact of Mercedes’ clearest weakness so far – the quality of their starts.
Are you going to the Monaco Grand Prix?
If you’re heading to Monaco for this weekend’s race, we want to hear from you:
Who do you think will be the team to beat in the Monaco Grand Prix? Have your say below.
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