‘They spent years making DRS so powerful that overtakes became as thrilling as watching someone overtake a tractor on a dual carriageway. Now, they are dialling it back. Progress?‘
The FIA has rewritten the rulebook again, and 2025 promises plenty of controversy.
From axing fastest lap points to enforcing pit stop mayhem in Monaco
Buckle up—this is going to get interesting.
♔ No more fastest lap points: The days of bolting on fresh softs in the final laps for an easy bonus point are over.
Now, drivers will have to earn their glory the proper way—by actually racing.
♔ Teams must now field rookies in four practice sessions per season.
Expect team bosses to age rapidly as fresh-faced drivers test the limits (and gravel traps).
♔ If temperatures hit 31°C, a ‘Heat Hazard’ is declared, mandating cooling systems.
Given that cockpits already reach 50°C, this feels like discovering fire after getting burned.
♔ DRS gets a rethink. Stricter slot gaps and deflection rules mean overtaking may require skill again, so expect complaints.
♔Unlimited gearboxes – A blessing for mechanics, a curse for strategists.
Grid penalties for broken gearboxes. Gone.
♔ Testing will be capped at just 1,000km per season for race drivers.
Because less practice somehow equals better racing… allegedly.
Monaco’s Makeover
Formula 1 plans to introduce mandatory pit stop rules for the Monaco Grand Prix in 2025 to improve racing and increase excitement have been ratified.
The key changes include:
♔ Increasing the number of mandatory pit stops during the race
♔ Requiring drivers to use all three available tyre compounds during the race, which would automatically make it a two-stop race in dry conditions
♔ In wet conditions, a minimum number of pit stops would still be enforced, likely two
These proposals were discussed and finalised by the Sporting Advisory Committee.
The changes create strategic variations, potentially increasing overtaking opportunities on the notoriously tight Monaco street circuit.
‘Drivers will now have to use all three tyre compounds in Monaco. Good luck to the strategist who convinces Verstappen to Pit twice if he’s leading by 40 seconds.
