In Monaco, boredom prevails: not even two overtakes can redeem the Grand Prix, and Formula E pokes fun at F1. The only real battle between two drivers — on the opening lap between Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto — ends with the Brazilian hitting the wall at Portier. After that, absolutely nothing happens, until George Russell’s outburst of frustration leads him to cut the Nouvelle Chicane just to get past Alexander Albon’s Williams.
Monaco is Monaco: wonder and spectacle on Saturday, boredom and drowsiness on Sunday. Nothing seems capable of saving the Principality, where overtaking is simply impossible. It’s impossible with these cars, too wide and precise to allow any real opportunity for those behind. It’s impossible on a track that cannot adapt to modern times, remaining fixed in a glamour that now seems outdated.
Formula 1 did try this year: in an effort to create chaos, the idea of two mandatory pit stops was introduced. A complete train wreck. Nothing changes for the front-runners, while for those behind, the strategy of blocking comes into play: one car from a team holds up the pack, while the other pits without issue. A disheartening, frustrating scenario that has nothing to do with the true spirit of the sport.
Formula E Makes Fun of the Monaco GP
Something will have to change in the future. Frédéric Vasseur knows it, having noticed the “strange tricks” pulled off by some rivals during pit stops. Christian Horner knows it too, as he calls for “track changes” to create overtaking opportunities. Hopefully, Stefano Domenicali and all the other key decision-makers involved also understand this — and take the necessary steps, because change can (and must) happen.
Meanwhile, over in Formula E, some are having a good laugh. Throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, the social media accounts of the all-electric series shared highlights from the Monaco E-Prix. Then came the final jab: the total number of overtakes — 361, across two races — shared in direct contrast to Formula 1’s disheartening standstill.
Of course, Formula E cars are smaller, less precise, and the Attack Mode dynamic also plays a role. Still, if it’s no longer possible to have real, exciting races on circuits like Monaco, perhaps the time has come for change. Whether it’s the cars, the track, or even the host country — something has to give.
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