Norris and Leclerc among drivers concerned for 22-car Monaco GP

Cadillac's entry as F1's 11th team brings 22 cars to Monaco's tight streets for the first time since Haas joined in 2016. Drivers Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have flagged Q1 as a potential problem, citing increased traffic and blocking risks on a circuit where overtaking is already near impossible.

Why it matters:

Monaco's short lap and narrow layout make traffic a perennial headache. Two extra cars could turn Q1 into a lottery, with drivers losing crucial tenths while stuck behind slower vehicles. The iconic race's prestige means any qualifying chaos draws extra scrutiny – and potential format changes down the line.

The details:

• Norris: "Probably pretty challenging." He noted that even with practice sessions, drivers don't always use mirrors or radio effectively. He referenced Leclerc's 2023 grid penalty for blocking him, joking that people don't cooperate often.
• Leclerc: "I think it's a problem." The Ferrari driver explained that even 3-4 seconds behind another car costs time on such a short track, making Q1 tricky. However, he admitted it's the same for everyone.
• Bortoleto: The Audi driver offered a counterpoint, saying he's used to 30+ cars in F3 and FRECA. "If people look in the mirrors and listen to the radio, you can get away with 22 cars."
• Some drivers, like Carlos Sainz, have proposed splitting Q1 into two groups to reduce congestion. Norris opposed the idea, warning it would lead to complaints regardless of which group runs first.

What's next:

Qualifying on Saturday will test whether drivers can adapt. The FIA may reconsider the format if incidents pile up, but for now, the focus is on driver discipline. Norris summed it up: "It's not going to be terrible, only if people get out of the way in the correct places."