Fernando Alonso Calls For Crucial Red Flag Rule Change After 'Compromised' Monaco GP

In the aftermath of the recent Monaco Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has expressed concerns over Formula 1’s red flag tyre rules, which he argues lead to 'compromised' races, particularly in circuits like Monte Carlo.

The Spaniard’s call for a discussion on the matter follows an uneventful Monaco GP where the top 10 positions remained unchanged from the starting grid, an unprecedented occurrence in the race’s storied history.

A Processional Tale

The uneventful nature of the race can largely be attributed to an early red flag, which allowed drivers to swap tyre compounds, thereby neutralizing any potential for strategic variety. This move transformed the race into a 78-lap procession, devoid of the usual pit stop drama that typically spices up the action on the tight streets of Monaco.

Commenting on the situation, Alonso remarked, “When there is a red flag and then you change tyres and you go to the end, the only point of interest in a Monaco race is the pitstops that you have to do. If you remove that excitement of a pit stop, then it becomes nothing.”

The Call for Change

Alonso believes that this latest example should reignite conversations around red flag rules, suggesting alternatives such as not allowing tyre changes or mandating the use of the same tyre set post-red flag.

“Maybe it reopens the conversations of when there is a red flag, not changing tyres or being obliged to have the same tyre or something,” Alonso added. “Because if not, there are certain occasions that the race is compromised.”

A Weekend to Forget

Despite the broader issues with the red flag rule, Alonso admits that Aston Martin’s struggles in Monaco were multi-faceted. He was eliminated in Q1, citing traffic as a barrier to progression, and conceded that the team’s pace was simply not up to par. “In our case it was very unlucky again,” he noted. “I think we didn’t have the pace. It was a bad weekend. No doubt about that.”

The team had chosen to start with Hard tyres, planning for an alternative strategy. However, the red flag forced them to switch to Mediums, leading Alonso to label their approach as a 'kamikaze strategy' aimed purely at salvaging some points.

Strategic Missteps

During the race, Alonso found himself in the role of a dutiful teammate, running at a slow pace to help build a gap for Lance Stroll to make a pit stop for fresh tyres. Unfortunately, a rear-left puncture for Stroll after hitting the barriers dashed their hopes, pushing him down the order.

“I was under the impression that I was repelling Daniel Ricciardo’s advances over the last point until I was told at the end I had finished in 11th,” Alonso revealed. The Spaniard was left confused by the point-swinging events of the race, adding an extra layer of frustration to an already disappointing weekend.

Alonso's scenario reveals the complexity that red flag rules add to race strategy, especially in unique layouts like Monaco. With his call for a crucial change, the double World Champion is setting the stage for an important debate within the F1 community.

Will the regulations evolve to accommodate more engaging and competitive races? Only time will tell.