In a dramatic turn of events just days before the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA has officially withdrawn its controversial mandatory two-stop regulation after strong backlash from the grid’s biggest stars — including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen — who delivered a united and forceful warning to the sport’s governing body.

Originally introduced to inject excitement into one of Formula 1’s most processional races, the rule would have forced drivers to make a minimum of two pit stops and use at least two different tyre compounds, regardless of weather conditions. However, the response from drivers and team bosses quickly turned hostile, prompting the FIA to reconsider.

Lewis Hamilton, who has often been vocal on regulatory matters, did not hold back in his criticism.

“Monaco is already a tough place to manage tyres and race strategy,” Hamilton said. “You don’t fix processional races by forcing fake drama. You fix it with better track design or qualifying rules. We told the FIA directly — this isn’t the solution.”

Max Verstappen echoed the sentiment, calling the proposed rule change “pointless” and “potentially dangerous.”

“Adding a second stop doesn’t magically make overtaking possible in Monaco,” Verstappen stated. “It just increases the chance of chaos in the pit lane or under a safety car. I told them straight: If this goes ahead, expect more accidents, not more racing.”

The driver revolt was reportedly backed by several team principals behind closed doors, with Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur and McLaren’s Andrea Stella both raising safety and strategic concerns. Sources say Hamilton and Verstappen led a direct conversation with FIA officials after the Emilia Romagna GP, pushing for the reversal.

Late Tuesday, the FIA issued an official statement:

“Following feedback from drivers and teams, and after further internal review, the FIA has decided to remove the mandatory two-stop requirement for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. Our priority is always safety and fair competition, and we acknowledge that this regulation may not serve that objective in Monaco’s unique layout.”

The decision has been widely praised by the paddock, with teams now preparing for the crown jewel race under traditional strategic freedom.

While Monaco remains a notoriously difficult circuit for overtaking, Verstappen says he would rather win or lose on merit — not through “forced gimmicks.”

“If you want great racing in Monaco, you need to be perfect. That’s the challenge. That’s why we love it,” he said. “Let’s not turn it into a lottery.”

With the rule now off the table, focus returns to pure racing — where Hamilton, Verstappen, and rising star Oscar Piastri are set for another thrilling chapter in the 2025 title fight on the streets of Monte Carlo.