
Joker lap? F1 paddock mulls how to fix 'dull' Monaco Grand Prix
Former F1 driver Nick Heidfeld told Sky Germany that a "joker lap" involving "shortcuts" could be a way to make overtaking possible on the famous twisting streets of the glamorous principality.
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Lando Norris won from pole as the top four again stayed the same. Red Bull's world champion Max Verstappen tried to take the new two-stop rule to the extreme by boxing for a second time on the penultimate lap.
But even though he led for much of the closing stages, all fans knew he would have to pit and Norris would win.
Ex-driver Ralf Schumacher said: "Such a race can not be allowed again."
Last year the top 10 in qualifying were the top 10 in the race. Although Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar made ground into the top six this year, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was not impressed.
"It was worse than just having one stop. It's a qualifying race. The whole time you can't overtake," he said after his drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli could only finish 11th and 18th.
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"The event is spectacular ... but the race on Sunday is a bit dull."
Monaco, on the F1 calendar since the championship began in 1950, has seen its contract extended until 2031 despite worries about the racing.
Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and football icon Zinedine Zidane were among the glitterati in attendance on Sunday despite the processional race, with the sun at least shining unlike in recent years.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was more charitable than others about the two pit-stop idea. "It was worth trying," he said.
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