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F1 veteran predicts current F1 cars to be more unpredictable in Monaco

by sports••0
F1 veteran predicts current F1 cars to be more unpredictable in Monaco
Pierre Gasly has set a measured expectation for what the current generation of Formula 1 cars might encounter around the streets of Monte Carlo at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The Alpine driver, who has generally been restrained in his criticism of this generation of F1 machinery, offered a cautious assessment when asked about the challenge ahead at the Principality. Speaking to GPblog and other media outlets, Gasly highlighted the difficulties these cars could face around Monaco, pointing to the circuit’s low-grip nature and the persistent braking instability that has defined this era of regulations.

The French driver explained that the combination of heavy braking zones, limited grip, and unpredictable behaviour under deceleration could make the weekend especially tricky.

Pierre Gasly during the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix – Photo: Race Pictures

“I think it could prove to be quite challenging, but a bit similar to the start of the race today. The start of the race today was very, very challenging, low grip conditions. In Monaco with these cars, you see how much we’re struggling on braking, you see how easy it is to lock the wheels. I feel these cars are a bit more unpredictable than they used to be in terms of braking, arriving speed, deployment,” Gasly explained.

Despite the concerns, the 30-year-old expects the race itself to deliver a spectacle, even if it comes with significant challenges for the drivers. “It could prove to be quite tricky around Monaco, but that’s what we’ll show; it’s going to be exciting,” Gasly concluded.

FIA removes straight mode from Monaco

The Monaco Grand Prix is set to come with its own peculiarity, with the FIA earlier confirming that drivers will not have active aero available to them throughout the weekend. The sport’s governing body opted against the addition of straight mode zones to the iconic F1 circuit in their official track layout. Straight mode, similarly to the former Drag Reduction System (DRS), is activated on designated straights at each circuit but will not feature for the first time this season at Monaco.

The FIA noted that Monaco does not fit the criteria they have set out for all other tracks. A primary guiding principle for the use of straight mode is that it is only deployed in areas where the cars are not on the limit of tyre grip. At a track where traction and braking are critical so frequently, the decision has therefore been made to prevent the activation and deactivation of straight mode, negatively impacting car stability in corners.

Pirelli unveil tyres for Monaco

Adding a further twist to the already challenging outing teams are poised to face at the Principality is tyre manufacturer Pirelli, who have announced the available tyre compounds for the race weekend.

For the famous street race, Pirelli has opted for its softest range in the 2026 selection: the C3, C4, and C5 compounds. In its announcement, the Italian manufacturer explained that these tyres were chosen to maximise grip on Monaco’s exceptionally smooth asphalt surface.

This year, several sections of the track have been resurfaced, including areas between Turns 19 and 1, between Turn 7 and the tunnel entry, as well as at the pit lane entry and exit. While this could slightly increase the likelihood of tyre graining, Pirelli expects it not to significantly impact overall tyre behaviour, as the Monaco circuit predominantly places traction-based demands on the tyres.

The Monaco Grand Prix has proven to be a tricky outing for Gasly. Aside from his DNF in 2025, his last points-scoring finish came in the 2024 edition, where he scored a single point with a 10th-place finish, a lap down from the lead cars.