The increase of the grid to 22 cars in Formula 1 this year has raised concerns among some drivers ahead of the qualifying session for the Monaco GP this weekend. Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc believe that the presence of two extra cars on the narrow streets of the Principality could turn Q1, in particular, into an even greater challenge.
Read more F1: Four drivers are summoned by the stewards after FP1
The change comes after Cadillac’s entry as the eleventh team in the category. As a result, Monaco hosts a 22-car grid for the first time since 2016, something that promises to increase traffic on one of the tightest and most difficult circuits on the calendar.
Even with 20 cars, the qualifying session in Monte Carlo was already often marked by difficulties in finding clear space on the track. Achieving a fast lap without being hindered by slower competitors frequently becomes a decisive factor, especially in Q1, when all drivers are on track simultaneously.
During the press conference held on Thursday (04), Norris admitted that he expects a complicated qualifying session: “It will probably be quite difficult. It was already complicated in previous years, when some people don’t get out of the way in the right places. It’s a delicate situation,” said the McLaren driver.
The Briton also commented on proposals to divide the qualifying session into separate groups to reduce traffic. However, he believes the solution could lead to new complaints: “There will always be someone unhappy. Whoever is in the first group will complain about the second, and vice versa. I think this could create even more complaints,” he said.
Read more F1: Marko sees Leclerc as main candidate for pole and victory in Monaco
For Norris, the main path is efficient communication between drivers and teams: “If people really look in their mirrors and use the radio to inform about cars on a fast lap, I believe everything will be fine. But that doesn’t always happen. I don’t think it will be a disaster, but if some try to take advantage, then it starts to become a big problem,” he added.
Leclerc was even more direct in assessing the situation. The Ferrari driver believes that the increase in the number of cars represents a real problem for the qualifying session at his home race. According to him, current Formula 1 cars still suffer aerodynamic influence, even when they are several seconds behind another competitor.
“I think it’s a problem. Twenty-two cars on such a short track will be complicated. Even being three or four seconds behind another car, you lose a bit of performance on a circuit like this. It will be difficult, although it’s the same for everyone and we’ll have to adapt. But it’s not the ideal scenario for Q1,” said the Monegasque.
Gabriel Bortoleto, from Audi, partially agreed with Norris and showed more optimism. The Brazilian believes that the situation can be managed as long as there is good communication: “If drivers look in their mirrors and listen to the information on the radio, it’s possible to deal with 22 cars on the track. I’ve raced in categories with many more cars than that, so I believe we can manage it,” he added.
Read more F1: Mercedes is fined after Russell’s infringement in FP1 in Monaco
