F1 stars urge FIA to implement infamous SCHUMACHER RULE in Monaco

FIA Flag, Generic, Social — Photo: © IMAGO

Monaco Grand Prix

F1 stars urge FIA to implement infamous SCHUMACHER RULE in Monaco

A frustrating aspect of the Monaco Grand Prix has been challenged by some F1 stars.

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Friday 24 May 2024 10:59 Updated: 20:02

A number of drivers in the F1 paddock have urged the FIA to make a major change for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Monaco is one of the most anticipated race weekend’s on the F1 calendar, the historic circuit a true test of a drivers’ skill around the tight and twisty corners.

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The greatest to ever compete in F1 have all demonstrated their impeccable qualities in Monte-Carlo, with Ayrton Senna winning the Monaco Grand Prix six times- more than any other driver.

However, it is easy to make an error around Monaco, and red flags are a frequent occurrence during the grand prix.

Ayrton Senna has the most wins around Monaco

McLaren have unveiled a special livery dedicated to Senna for Monaco

Should the FIA make red flag changes?

Red flags have been exploited in the past in Monaco, with some causing incidents on purpose, preventing a fair fight for pole position.

The most famous example of this came in 2006, when Michael Schumacher was adjudged to have deliberately 'overshot' a corner at the end of qualifying, bringing out yellow flags and preventing any of his rivals from beating his then-fastest time.

However, the stewards subsequently stripped him of his pole position and sent him to the back of the grid for his unsporting action.

F1 stars, including Carlos Sainz and George Russell, have raised the issue that will be discussed in this Friday’s driver briefing.

The drivers have called for lap times to be deleted if drivers bring out a red flag, in aim to prevent unsporting behaviour.

Carlos Sainz demands stricter punishment for those who bring out a red flag in Monaco qualifying

"There have been very clear cases in street circuits where, between us drivers, we've spotted people on purpose generating red flags," Sainz said according to Motorsport.com.

"The FIA hasn't been maybe as convinced about them being on purpose, because as drivers we know what's on purpose and what's not. So, it will be interesting to see what approach they take into this weekend.

"It's always a topic around Monaco. I just hope that for the benefit of the show and the fair play and fair racing, we all go out there in Q1 and Q3, giving it all without taking unnecessary risks."

McLaren FIA Michael Schumacher Monaco Grand Prix Ayrton Senna