Sawt Falasteen - New two-stop rule could produce 'crazy' Monaco race, says Verstappen

The rule change has been introduced to enliven an often-processional race in which the teams usually made only one stop – to change tyres – on the narrow barrier-lined street circuit where it is notoriously difficult to overtake.

"I guess it can go both ways," Verstappen told reporters Thursday. "It could be quite straightforward or it could go completely crazy because of safety cars coming into play or not – and making the right calls.

"Normally, when you have that one stop, once you have a good pit stop and everything is fine, then you drive to the end. You just have to stay focused and not hit the barriers, but maybe with a two-stop it can create something different.

"People might be gambling and guessing when is the right time to box."

The four-time world champion has won at the glamorous Mediterranean street circuit twice, but finished sixth last year with Red Bull and, despite winning last weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, fears his car is not adapted for the track.

As ever in Monte Carlo, qualifying on Saturday is likely to prove decisive for the outcome even with the added spice of an additional pit stop.

"At the end of the day, I am not too sure everybody knows what this is going to do. It may actually not change much," said Alpine's Pierre Gasly.

"What remains important, extremely important, is the qualifying. We know that if you get it right... at least you have done a big part of the job. But, I think, this is going to open up some potential strategies that we will all have to be on top of."

Verstappen added: "It is such a tricky track to master really... to get the maximum from the car in qualifying. Overtaking is so difficult. So qualifying is even more important and it is a tight, bumpy and challenging track with so much history. Everyone wants to win. It's special.

"For us, it is not ideal, but we will try to be better prepared. We prefer high-speed corners so Monaco is not ideal for our car. In the end, you never feel comfortable here as you are always on the limit.

"There will be more opportunities in terms of strategy and tactics this time and maybe some teams will gamble. It will make it interesting."

P.Tamimi--SF-PST