Williams Team principal James Walls says he was surprised to hear Formula 1 is likely to continue with its compulsory two-stop strategies in Monaco After this year’s controversial experiment.
With the Monte Carlo’s ahead of the streets very impossible, the FIA applied the compulsory use of three tire sets this year to force teams on a two-stop strategy, expecting unlocking more strategic options and danger.
But the idea did not have the desired effect in front of the field, as the teams drove two cars closely, such as racing bulls and Williams, were able to take advantage of the rule with a car, supporting the ground to make a pitstop window for the front car.
The strategy created at least one talkings point, but the drivers were forced to walk four seconds per lap at a slow pace for their teams to take any advantage.
The boss of one of the squads included, stated that he was surprised to find a one-off rule twice for 2026 after the E-Vot by Fia World Motor Sports Council.
Asked why it was brought back, he said: “Good question. It was not actually discussed in the F1 Commission,” it would ask for more details from the FIA’s single-seater director Nicolas Tombazis before adding.
Walls said he was not a fan of the strategy that his team had taken advantage of scoring, as he felt that it had gone against the spirit of racing.
James Walls, Williams
Photo by: Sam BlocSum / Motorsport Images
“For records, we were not the first to do it. We had to do it in the reaction of the area,” he said. “I didn’t like it. It’s the most uncomfortable I have felt. I like to go there and fight for the system instead of doing the system to get it to get marks on qualification.
“I think the arguments being given were a better show despite this?”
Speaking specifically for autosport, Tombazis stated that the Monaco rule repeat was not yet set in the stone, and invited 10 teams to come up with more attractive solutions to make 10 teams more entertaining.
“First, we do not think that what we saw this year is necessary that it is a thing to repeat or for the goal. There is an issue that is an issue,” he explained.
“Currently 2026 rules still include two pitstops for Monaco, but we are in August and Monaco is in June next year.
“Clearly, requests for teams are to be creative and proposed. We are not yet sold on a particular solution in the FIA. If there are proposals that will improve it, we will definitely support them.
“This is one of the subjects that will be discussed with the Sporting Advisory Committee and the F1 commission in the next few meetings.”
Additional Reporting by Ronald Wording
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