Arthur Leclerc, brother of Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc, has expressed his backing for the new regulation requiring two mandatory pit stops at the Monaco Grand Prix starting in 2025. Born and raised in Monaco, Arthur believes this change will inject more excitement and unpredictability into the race. His endorsement comes ahead of the 2024 Monaco GP, where the focus remains on the evolving race strategies driven by the upcoming rule change.
The 24-year-old Arthur Leclerc is not only a competitor in the GT World Challenge Endurance Cup but also serves as Ferrari’s development driver in F1. He highlighted that the shift to two mandatory stops would encourage drivers to adopt a more aggressive approach to tire usage rather than solely managing tire wear during the race.
Arthur shared his thoughts on the new pit stop regulation, stating,
“I think it’s good to have two mandatory pit stops because it will bring a bit more action and unpredictability to the race, and it will also allow the drivers to push their tires harder.” —Arthur Leclerc, Ferrari Development Driver
“The last few races were all about tire management. This year I think it will add some strategy to the picture. Nevertheless, with Monaco being Monaco I think that at the end of the day it will be paramount to do well in qualifying to have a good race, I’m really interested to see what happens,” he added. —Arthur Leclerc, Ferrari Development Driver
The Leclerc Family’s Deep Ties to Monaco and Racing
The Leclerc brothers—Charles, Arthur, and Lorenzo—have strong roots in Monaco, where they were all born and raised. While Charles and Arthur are professional race car drivers, Lorenzo has chosen a career as a businessman and entrepreneur. This close-knit family connection to Monaco has shaped their careers and passion for motorsport.
Arthur recently made headlines by participating in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP1 session, driving an F1 car alongside Charles. This event marked the first time siblings have competed for the same Formula 1 team during an official session, underlining the family’s rising prominence within elite motorsport circles.
Arthur Reflects on Charles’s 2024 Monaco Win as a Milestone
Arthur Leclerc described his brother Charles’s victory at the 2024 Monaco GP as a defining moment that made the race feel ‘complete’ for their family. He described years of watching this iconic event unfold in their hometown as ‘magical,’ a sentiment shared by many in the Leclerc family and the Monaco community.
Arthur expressed these feelings, saying,
“As a Monegasque, it’s amazing to watch the Monaco Grand Prix. I have been watching this race for many years, since I was born basically, and it’s really something special for all our friends and family.” —Arthur Leclerc, Ferrari Development Driver
“Obviously seeing Charles driving always adds something extra. Last year he managed to achieve his dream and win the race, so in a way it feels ‘complete’, but it’s still a magical day when F1 is racing here.” —Arthur Leclerc, Ferrari Development Driver
Charles Leclerc’s first home victory in Monaco finally lifted a longstanding cloud of misfortune that had hung over him in previous editions. Notably, in 2021, Charles had secured pole position but was forced to retire from the race early due to a driveshaft failure after a crash during qualifying. The 2024 win was a significant moment not just for Charles but for the entire Leclerc family and their supporters in Monaco.
Potential Impact of the New Two Pit-Stop Rule on Monaco’s Racing Landscape
Introducing two mandatory pit stops is expected to increase tactical variation during the Monaco Grand Prix, a circuit notoriously difficult for overtaking and demanding on tire management. This regulatory change aims to encourage more intense battles on track as drivers will have more opportunities to change strategies mid-race.
Arthur’s insights suggest that beyond tire management, teams will be forced to rethink qualifying importance since starting position remains critical on Monaco’s narrow streets. The new rule may shift the balance toward more dynamic race strategies, potentially making the 2025 event one of the most unpredictable and action-packed editions in recent memory.
With Charles Leclerc and his brothers deeply connected to Monaco, developments like these resonate beyond sports into the cultural fabric of the principality. The evolving race environment will likely draw heightened attention from fans worldwide, eager to see how this historic event adapts to modern Formula 1 innovations.
