Frustrated, Wolff wants to see the route changed
The Monaco Grand Prix was true to its legend. Despite the sometimes torrential rain, the circuit laid out in the heart of the Principality did not offer a memorable spectacle last weekend. Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris notably took the risk of overtaking, but the narrow layout remains an obstacle and frustration is growing, fueled by Monaco’s precarious contractual situation vis-à-vis F1. But, on the Mercedes side, the straw that broke the camel’s back was the tactic employed by Fernando Alonso, who rode several seconds off his usual pace to block Lewis Hamilton. The purpose of the maneuver, ultimately futile, was to facilitate an attack by Esteban Ocon. Dissatisfied with this, Toto Wolff clearly called on the decision-makers of the Automobile Club of Monaco to review their copy for the years to come.
Cheeky, @GeorgeRussell63. 👌
There are no easy overtakings in Monaco. 😘pic.twitter.com/Ael5oQ7cps
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 31, 2022
Wolff some ideas
The boss of the Mercedes team recalled that, in the particular case of the Principality, it takes an abysmal difference in pace to hope to overtake without too much difficulty. “In Monaco, the position on the track is essential. A difference of five seconds is like an F2 car. I think we have to examine that, named Toto Wolff in remarks collected by the British magazine Autosport. Monaco is a great show, a fantastic place and it’s always amazing to come here. But we may need to review a track where we can be five seconds longer without being overtaken. But, admitting that it will take a “compromise” between the desires of all parties, the Austrian leader tossed a few ideas. “Maybe we can just get rid of the chicane after the tunnel and make it a long straight,” he said. And then, at the tobacconist, I don’t know… The turn would be too fast. Maybe make sure we brake more, but I’m not a designer, I have no idea…” Great ideas which could however come up against the safety requirements linked to F1.