F1’S LARGER 22-CAR FIELD WILL BE “A PROBLEM” FOR QUALIFYING IN MONACO

Formula 1 drivers are voicing serious concerns over the expanded 22-car grid set to tackle Monaco qualifying this year. The shortest and narrowest track on the calendar, Monaco’s notorious traffic issues are amplified by the largest field since 2016 – a grid that was 10cm narrower then.

Charles Leclerc calls the increased Q1 traffic a "problem," especially with cars still sensitive to dirty air. While Grand Prix Drivers Association director Carlos Sainz advocates for a split qualifying format, similar to F2 and F3, Lando Norris pushes back. He argues splitting the grid would simply create new unfairness, emphasizing that driver awareness and effective radio communication are key. Junior series driver Gabriel Bortoleto agrees, pointing out that F3 often handles 30 cars on track. This American-driven expansion to 22 cars will test every team's track management, making Monaco's crucial Saturday session a tense battle against the clock and each other.