Lewis Hamilton has taken credit for a rule change that will be implemented at the Monaco Grand Prix for the upcoming season.
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile [FIA] announced their introduction of two mandatory pit stops at the Circuit de Monaco.
Formula 1 drivers are already ordered to enter the pits at least once in order for two different tyre compounds to be used.
However, the Monaco Grand Prix now requires an extra pit stop in a move that has been introduced to ‘improve the sporting spectacle’.
A statement read: “The WMSC [World Motor Sport Council] reviewed a proposal regarding the implementation of a mandatory 2-stop strategy [in both wet and dry conditions] for the Monaco GP, with the primary intent of improving the sporting spectacle of this race.
“Following recent discussions in the F1 Commission, a specific requirement for the Monaco GP has been approved mandating the use of at least three sets of tyres in the race, with a minimum of two different tyre compounds to be used if it’s a dry race.”
Hamilton appears to have been waiting for the rule to be enforced in a race that lacks overtakes due to its narrow track.
Speaking to the media via The Daily Express after testing in Bahrain, the Ferrari star said: “I’m pretty sure that was my idea anyways.
“But if you go back and look at some of the transcripts of previous years, I’ve been mentioning the two stop for years.
“I think Monaco has to be at least a two-stop [race]. I think the one-stop was never really great.
“I think that Grand Prix is a great Grand Prix, but the race… There’s more to offer in the race maybe with more than one pit stop.”
The Monaco Grand Prix is widely considered to be the best race in the Formula 1 calendar.
Drivers face tight corners and spaces on a track boasting an impressive backdrop that consists of the picturesque Monte Carlo.
Hamilton has won three times in Monaco and could claim his fourth with Ferrari when the Grand Prix returns on May 23.
The Brit’s debut Scuderia season also offers him the chance to win a record eighth world title, surpassing the iconic Michael Schumacher.
“Overall, it’s been a great few days and we’ve made some strong progress as a team,” he told Ferrari after testing last week.
“We had to finish a little earlier than planned today, and the weather has been hard to predict all week.
“But that’s how testing works sometimes, and we’ve managed to gather a lot of good information to build on before the season starts.
“The whole team has done an incredible job, and I’m so excited to get to the first race in Melbourne. I can’t wait to go racing with them.”
Hamilton will competitively race in Ferrari colours for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix, which starts on March 14.