Unique Pit Stop Strategy at Monaco GP: F1 Teams Play Slow Tactics

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix witnessed an unexpected twist in race strategy as Formula 1 teams employed deliberately slow tactics to manipulate pit windows.

The team that first executed this unique approach was Racing Bulls, utilizing Liam Lawson to slow the pace and create space for teammate Isack Hadjar. Lawson intentionally ran laps at 1m20s–1m21s, while Hadjar maintained a quicker pace of 1m18s–1m19s.

Successful Execution Boosts Hadjar’s Position

This unconventional strategy allowed Hadjar to complete both of his mandatory pit stops on laps 14 and 19 without losing significant track position. Recognizing the effectiveness of the move, Williams followed suit, using Carlos Sainz to back off and create space for Alex Albon.

Russell Penalized for Chicane Violation

Drama unfolded when George Russell of Mercedes skipped the new chicane section to overtake Albon, a move that was quickly penalized. Russell received a drive-through penalty for the infringement, adding controversy to an already tactical race.

While the slow-pit strategy didn’t significantly disrupt the front runners, it reshaped the race flow, prompting discussions about rule updates for the 2026 season.