The delayed start to the Monaco Grand Prix left plenty of fans frustrated as Monte Carlo set the scene for drama. The rain had thrown an early twist as mechanics scrambled back and forth to the garages, unsure on which tyres they should be starting the race. Those who had suffered on Saturday were raring to get going, while the likes of pole-sitter Charles Leclerc were left wondering what they had done to deserve a pre-race downpour. But moments before lights-out, the race start was then delayed, leaving only more time for the rain to fall and for water to pool on the track's surface. However, RacingNews365.com understands that the postponement of the race was not due of the hazardous weather conditions, but instead due to a problem with the starting system, to which the start lights are linked.
Why the FIA opted for two rolling starts at Monaco GP
The issue left the FIA temporarily unable to stage a standing start, with fans desperate to see cars go racing through the spray and into Saint-Devote. It forced them to delay the race start procedure while the problem was investigated, during which time the rain fell heavier on Monaco. That same problem occurred midway through the race when, following Mick Schumacher's heavy crash that brought out the red flag, the decision was taken to stage a rolling start. That left race-winner Sergio Perez able to dictate the pace as he managed the restart perfectly, protecting himself from a lunge from Carlos Sainz behind. The decision to stage a second rolling start stemmed from the same start procedure concerns, with the FIA unsure as to whether or not to start lights would work, although there also remained concerns over low grip levels on the still-drying track.
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