After a tense and tactical 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, Max Verstappen didn’t hold back when asked about the on-track drama and the lack of overtaking opportunities in Monte Carlo. In a light-hearted yet telling comment, the reigning world champion quipped that he’s “ready for Mario Kart rules” if that’s what it takes to make the legendary street race more exciting.
The comment, which quickly went viral on social media, came after a race that many fans and pundits labeled as uneventful, with strategy and track position once again taking precedence over actual wheel-to-wheel racing. Verstappen, who finished in the points but wasn’t in contention for the win, clearly felt the frustration shared by many drivers navigating Monaco’s famously tight circuit.
“You can’t really race here anymore,” Verstappen said. “Unless someone makes a mistake or you gamble on strategy, it’s a parade. Maybe we should just add banana peels and red shells next year and see what happens,” he added with a grin.
While the remark was made in jest, it touched on a growing sentiment among drivers and fans that Monaco, despite its history and prestige, needs a shake-up. The charm of the glamorous setting, luxurious yachts, and historic legacy is still intact, but from a pure racing perspective, the spectacle often fails to deliver the adrenaline-pumping action seen at other circuits on the calendar.
This year’s Grand Prix was no exception. With overtaking nearly impossible and most teams opting for a conservative one-stop strategy, the race became a strategic waiting game. As a result, even top drivers like Verstappen were left with few options to move up the order once the grid settled.
The Dutch driver’s tongue-in-cheek reference to “Mario Kart rules” sparked laughter and memes online, but also reignited the conversation about how to modernize Monaco. Some have proposed mandatory two-stop strategies, others suggested circuit modifications—though those seem unlikely given the tight constraints of the historic layout.
Whether it’s banana peels, green shells, or genuine regulatory changes, one thing is clear: Verstappen and the F1 community are eager for Monaco to evolve. Until then, don’t be surprised if fans start showing up next year with blue shell signs in the grandstands.