F1 CEO mounts 'amazing' defence after sharp Monaco criticism

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has reflected on this season's Monaco Grand Prix, after the experimental two-stop mandate failed produce the desired outcome.

The hope heading into the weekend in Monte Carlo was that by enforcing all drivers to make a second pit stop, it would enliven the racing, but that did not materialise. Instead, it led to widespread criticism from drivers, pundits and fans. 

Nonetheless, Domenicali defended the event, highlighting the "attention" paid to it, and how much buzz and intrigue was generated.

"The Monaco event has been amazing," the Italian told Sky Sports F1. "We never had so many people, so many boats, so much attention. That means that the event itself is what Formula 1 wants, and that is really great."

"We know that the width of the street is not wide and the cars are quite big, so the attempt is to create attention to that.

"It was great to see that the day before everyone was thinking that everyone has to [do a pit] stop on the first lap, and a lot of discussion, so no one understood exactly anything. I think it was the right attempt and the attention was definitely there.

"Of course you know that teams took the strategy out of it. The good thing is that we are talking about it."

F1 is 'talking' with Monaco

When it was put to him that Grand Prix Drivers' Association chairperson Alex Wurz, who used to race in F1, had come up with some track change proposals to increase the likelihood of overtaking at the Circuit de Monaco, Domenicali explained the championship was "talking with the city" over the various options available.

"I think that [for] 75 years, they [have] wanted to try to do something different," the 60-year-old said.

"I mean, we are talking with the city, but as you can imagine, it’s not easy at all. So let’s enjoy the event that has been, at the end of the day, fantastic."