Why Monaco’s overtaking problem may survive Formula 1’s smaller cars

As Formula 1 prepares for a new generation of cars designed to be smaller, lighter and more agile, many fans are hoping the changes will finally improve wheel-to-wheel racing around the streets of Monaco. However, not everyone is convinced that reduced dimensions alone will transform the spectacle at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

The debate surrounding overtaking at the Monaco Grand Prix has resurfaced as teams and drivers look ahead to future regulations. While the upcoming cars are expected to occupy less space on the narrow streets of the Principality, several experienced observers believe the fundamental challenge of passing another car will remain largely unchanged.

Monaco’s layout remains the real issue

Speaking during Motorsport.com’s Q&A F1 segment, veteran journalist Roberto Chinchero offered a firm assessment of the situation. In his view, Monaco’s overtaking difficulties have very little to do with the size of modern Formula 1 machinery and far more to do with the unique characteristics of the circuit itself.

According to Roberto Chinchero, genuine overtaking opportunities at Monaco are extremely rare. He argued that position changes typically occur only when the driver ahead makes a mistake, suffers a problem, or deliberately allows another car through, rather than through traditional racing manoeuvres.

This perspective challenges the increasingly popular belief that smaller Formula 1 cars will automatically create more exciting racing around the tight confines of Monte Carlo. While narrower and shorter cars may improve visibility and provide drivers with slightly more room to operate, Chinchero believes the circuit’s design remains the decisive factor.

History provides a powerful example

To reinforce his argument, Chinchero pointed to one of the most famous moments in Monaco Grand Prix history. He referenced the legendary battles of the early 1990s, when Nigel Mansell found himself trapped behind Ayrton Senna despite having a significantly faster car.

Those closing laps have become part of Formula 1 folklore. Even with a substantial performance advantage, Mansell was unable to find a way past Senna on the narrow Monaco streets. For many observers, the episode remains the ultimate demonstration of how difficult overtaking has always been at the circuit, regardless of the technical regulations in place at the time.

The example is particularly relevant because Formula 1 cars from that era were considerably smaller than today’s machines. Yet the challenge of overtaking remained virtually identical, suggesting that the issue runs much deeper than vehicle dimensions.

Even junior categories face the same challenge

One of the strongest points raised in the discussion concerns junior racing categories. Roberto Chinchero noted that the overtaking problem is not exclusive to Formula 1, as drivers competing in Formula 3 and other lower categories encounter many of the same limitations around Monaco.

This observation weakens the argument that simply shrinking Formula 1 cars will suddenly unlock numerous passing opportunities. If smaller junior-category cars already struggle to overtake on the same circuit, then the root cause clearly lies in the track’s layout rather than the dimensions of the cars themselves.

Monaco’s combination of narrow streets, tight corners, unforgiving barriers and limited braking zones creates an environment where track position is often more valuable than outright pace. Drivers can remain defensive without sacrificing significant lap time, making it extremely difficult for rivals to mount successful attacks.

Why qualifying remains everything at Monaco

The discussion ultimately brings attention back to a reality that teams, drivers and fans have understood for decades: qualifying remains the most important session of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

Because overtaking opportunities are so limited, securing a strong grid position frequently determines the outcome of the race before the lights even go out on Sunday. Teams therefore place enormous emphasis on one-lap performance, often tailoring their entire weekend strategy around maximizing qualifying pace.

This dynamic has played a major role in the success of many Formula 1 legends, including Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, both of whom have repeatedly highlighted the importance of Saturday performance at Monaco. While Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have demonstrated exceptional racecraft throughout their careers, even drivers of their calibre know that starting position often dictates what is possible on race day in the Principality.

As Formula 1 moved toward its next technical era, smaller cars did improve racing at certain circuits across the calendar. Yet when it comes to Monaco, skepticism remains. The consensus among several experienced observers is that the circuit’s unique characteristics—not the size of the cars—are what continue to make overtaking one of the greatest challenges in Formula 1.

If that assessment proves correct, Monaco’s future races may still be decided largely on Saturday afternoons, regardless of how dramatically the regulations evolve in the years ahead.