George Russell expects the brand new two-stop technique rule can have a major influence on the techniques deployed by groups at this weekend’s F1 Monaco Grand Prix.
To boost the present, F1 introduced that each one drivers should full two necessary pit stops through the 78-lap race on Sunday in Monte Carlo.
Because of the lack of overtaking alternatives within the principality, F1 hopes that forcing drivers to make a second pit cease might make the race extra entertaining.
Within the 2024 race, race winner Charles Leclerc didn’t need to make a pit cease after finishing his tyre change beneath the early purple flag.
This shall be prevented this yr as a result of all 20 drivers being compelled to make two stops.
Talking to media, together with Crash.internet, on Thursday in Monaco, Russell defined why the brand new ruling might make race tempo extra essential than in earlier years.
“We’re excited for this weekend as a result of we all know quali has been a power,” Russell stated.
“We’ve got been inside a tenth of pole on so many events, but to totally convert it. This two-stop technique goes to be actually attention-grabbing to see the way it plans out.
“Prior to now, it was solely about qualifying and you can handle the gaps to the automobiles behind, you can again all people up and simply hold it tight. I don’t assume that’s going to be the case this weekend.
“Race tempo isn’t meaningless and we all know that hasn’t been a power. A little bit little bit of blended emotions.”
Russell uncertain of F1 pecking order
Monaco is exclusive because it’s made up of simply slow-speed corners.
Through the years, Ferrari have been the crew to beat in Monaco.
Leclerc took pole in 2021 and will have gained the race in 2022 had it not been for poor technique.
Leclerc lastly bought redemption in 2024, profitable the race from pole.
Nonetheless, with the SF-25 struggling in low-speed corners this yr, Russell is uncertain which crew shall be finest this weekend.
“I feel we’ve been most likely on common the third-best crew this season however being the third-best crew has typically discovered ourselves on the rostrum or qualifying within the high three so it’s not fairly as easy because it was previously,” Russell defined.
“Pink Bull solely have Max performing in the intervening time. Lando and Oscar are each there within the race however typically their quali efficiency is a bit inconsistent.
“Equally, Ferrari typically have higher races or worse races. They have been fairly good at Imola in race tempo, they have been fairly good in Jeddah as properly however now we’re in Monaco the place they’ve been the kings of previously however possibly their new automotive isn’t as suited. Proper now, we’re not too positive.”
