A wave of contention arose from Wednesday's World Motor Sport Council meeting, where the FIA sanctioned a compulsory two-stop requirement for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix.
The FIA's statement framed the decision—obliging drivers to utilize at least three tire sets in the traditionally uneventful race—as a means to enhance "the sporting spectacle."
"It's a little artificial," said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, "but it does add another dynamic and another possibility for Monaco to move away from a very stagnant, boring race that it can often be."
Yet the 'artificial' regulation wasn't the primary source of discord from the council session. That distinction fell, as usual, to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
With speculation swirling that the polarizing leader might face opposition in the FIA presidential elections slated for late 2025, two council members abstained from the meeting after declining to sign non-disclosure agreements.
Sources indicate Ben Sulayem aims to curb information leaks to the press, but FIA deputy president for motorsport Robert Reid and UK delegate David Richards outright rejected the agreements, resulting in their exclusion from the proceedings.
Emerging rumors suggest this standoff could violate the FIA's own statutes, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the Monaco and other decisions.
An FIA spokesperson sought to minimize the issue.
"It is normal practice in all organisations for confidentiality agreements to be signed to protect our interests as a regulator," he said.
The spokesperson further noted that the measure received "overwhelming support" from other World Motor Sport Council members.
