McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes Appeal FIA’s Monaco Penalty Reversal

After the FIA stewards rescinded Pierre Gasly’s two five-second pit-lane speeding penalties from the early-June 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes each filed appeals, arguing that the reversal creates an uneven competitive field and challenges regulatory consistency.

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Monaco race five drivers received penalties for exceeding 60 km/h pit-lane limit. Formula One Management found a 77 cm pit-lane length error, overstating speeds. Alpine’s Right of Review used this evidence, prompting stewards to overturn Gasly’s penalties and restore his podium.

New York Times

Monaco race took place in June 2026. Alpine filed a Right of Review; stewards rescinded Gasly’s penalties on Friday. Within 96 hours McLaren and Red Bull lodged appeals, and Mercedes submitted review. Cases await FIA Court of Appeal.

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Five drivers were penalised for pit-lane speeding. A 77 cm measurement error inflated speeds. Gasly’s five-second penalties were removed, restoring a podium. Hadjar fell to fourth, Piastri to fifth, and Russell’s penalty dropped him to twelfth, losing 15 points.

Mercedes seek to overturn George Russell's Monaco Grand Prix penalties

The episode highlights a regulatory gap: the FIA has no rule permitting reversal of penalties served. Allowing changes could incentivise teams to avoid serving penalties, undermining confidence in race results and sport’s fairness.

New York Times

McLaren said it respects FIA but warns removal creates inequity. Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff called appeal a shot that could open can of worms. FIA stewards noted error and no rule permits undoing served penalties.

McLaren and Red Bull appeal against Gasly's Monaco GP podium reinstatement

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri said the selective reversal “creates a tough situation for everybody” and sets an awkward precedent. Mercedes driver George Russell noted his drive-through penalty, unlike Gasly’s, could not be undone, highlighting an inequitable outcome.

Mercedes seek to overturn George Russell's Monaco Grand Prix penalties

The stewards acknowledge the pit-lane measurement error but note no regulation allows undoing a served penalty, leaving a procedural gap. No other team filed a Right of Review, and the admissibility of Mercedes’ request remains unclear.

New York Times

• “While we fully respect the FIA's judicial processes and the role of the Stewards, we believe this case raises important questions concerning sporting fairness, regulatory consistency and the integrity of competition.” — McLaren, Team Statement

Monaco GP: McLaren appeal race classification with concerns over 'sporting fairness' after Pierre Gasly podium reinstatement

• “We wrote to the FIA for a right of review as well. To be honest, I'm not sure if this is a realistic outcome because you open up a can of worms.” — Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal

Mercedes seek to overturn George Russell's Monaco Grand Prix penalties

• “There will undoubtedly remain questions as to whether those breaches were genuine,” the stewards said in their decision document.” — FIA Stewards

New York Times

• “We have not yet submitted the full appeal. We have a bit of time for that,” — Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Team Principal

Red Bull issues Pierre Gasly appeal update after FIA verdict overturned

The FIA Court of Appeal will hear the McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes appeals in coming weeks. A ruling could uphold the revised Monaco classification or reinstate the original penalties, setting a precedent for future reviews.

McLaren and Red Bull take Monaco GP controversy to FIA Court of Appeal