Lewis Hamilton Slams 'Dull' Monaco GP: Racing Fans Are 'Falling Asleep'

In an electrifying call to action, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has urged for a radical overhaul of the Monaco Grand Prix. The legendary driver, who has part-time residence in the glamorous principality, expressed his concerns after what he dubbed a 'snooze-fest' of a race over the weekend. Home hero Charles Leclerc clinched victory, but not without a yawning stretch of underwhelming laps that had both drivers and spectators clamoring for change.

Echoing Hamilton's sentiment, several other drivers, including Max Verstappen, voiced their frustrations. Verstappen humorously confessed he might as well have brought a pillow to the race, revealing how uninspiring the event had been. Hamilton didn't mince words: 'People were falling asleep,' he said bluntly.

The Monotonous Monaco

The inherent charm of the Monaco Grand Prix—its picturesque streets and tight corners—ironically makes for races that can turn out to be less than thrilling. While the scenery dazzles, the on-track action can often dawdle, as showcased in this year's event. Drivers found themselves creeping along at a tortoise's pace, unwilling participants in a procession rather than a race.

Calls for Radical Changes

Hamilton proposes an interesting solution: mandatory three pit stops. This innovation, he argues, would inject much-needed excitement into the race. 'Everyone drove so slowly. It didn’t matter what tyre you were on. We were driving seconds off the pace,' Hamilton lamented. With current tyre compounds capable of lasting the entire race, more pit stops could indeed disrupt the humdrum status quo.

The race was marred from the start by a first-lap crash, setting the tone for an anti-climactic event. As regulations required all drivers to switch tyres immediately, they trudged on, fully aware that overtaking would be nearly impossible on the narrow circuits of Monaco. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, starting from pole, managed to hold his position all the way to his first win since 2022 in Austria, leaving many wondering if a strategic shake-up could make future races more unpredictable and exhilarating.

Verstappen and Leclerc on Board

Max Verstappen added his two cents, advocating for 'a few little changes' to make Monaco more thrilling. 'In the last few years, it has become even more difficult with the width of the cars, but it is nothing new,' stated the Dutch driver. When asked if Monaco should be scrapped from the racing calendar altogether, Verstappen proposed modifications rather than elimination. 'The scenery is still great, but if we could find a way to race a bit more, why not? That would be my preferred solution,' he said.

Leclerc's sentiments echoed those of his competitors, as he capitalized on the race's slow pace but acknowledged the lackluster experience it offered to audiences. His victory, although celebrated, pointed out the glaring issue of watchability that Monaco faces.

Future of the Monaco GP

The Monaco Grand Prix, despite its flaws, remains one of the crown jewels of the Formula One calendar. Up for renewal after next year’s edition, the event is expected to secure its place for the foreseeable future. Organizers, including the Automobile Club de Monaco and Formula One, are nearing a new agreement worth close to £20 million.

With Lewis Hamilton leading the charge for change, backed by other notable drivers, the sands of time may soon shift for Monaco. One thing is clear: this call for reform could either heighten the race's charm or mark the end of an era of uneventful street racing in the principality.