Formula 1 insiders are voicing concerns that the new Monaco-only rule mandating two pitstops per driver on Sunday could be exploited by teams looking to manipulate strategy.
The one-off rule — designed to force each driver to use three different tyre sets — is an effort to liven up what has increasingly become a processional race around the tight and twisty streets of Monte Carlo.
"Last year, if you wanted to, the leader could drive ten seconds slower per lap," said current championship leader Oscar Piastri.
"Now, that won't be possible and you'll really have to create a gap to the rest. There are so many different possible strategies now."
But veteran Nico Hulkenberg is sceptical about the change. "I wasn't fundamentally of the opinion that something had to change," said the Sauber driver. "Monaco has always been like this. Overtaking has always been difficult."
Williams' Alex Albon understands the logic behind the move, but warns that the unintended consequences could be serious.
"The main concern is that this may create a situation in which all the drivers rush to the pits on the first lap, trying to get on a clean track later," he said.
"All the strategists will admit that they have absolutely no idea where this will lead. Or how teammates will be able to use this to help each other."
Even Pirelli's motorsport boss Mario Isola acknowledges the possibility of clever manipulation.
"The safety car is quite common in Monaco," Isola told Soy Motor. "There's the risk that drivers could pit twice on consecutive laps. And that would be absolutely legal."
Carlos Sainz, echoing thoughts shared by teammate Albon, believes the new rule could have both positive and negative effects.
"I think the drivers will probably be forced to potentially push a bit more," Sainz said. "Which is good.
"I'm just a little worried about teams playing too much with their drivers' pace to help their teammates. I hope there won't be too many tricks with that."
