Formula One teams are appealing the result of the Monaco Grand Prix (Image: Getty)
McLaren have confirmed they formally appealed to the FIA International Court of Appeal over the Monaco Grand Prix result. They have become the second team to do so, after Mercedes also lodged a right of review following the reinstatement of Pierre Gasly to the podium.
Gasly, 30, finished third on track after George Russell served a late drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane, but the Alpine driver dropped down four places after receiving two penalties for the same reason as his Mercedes rival. Alpine, however, succeeded with their right of review request because the distance used to calculate speed in the pit lane was incorrect.
The statement from McLaren reads: “McLaren Racing can confirm that it has formally lodged a notification of appeal with the FIA International Court of Appeal regarding the following decisions related to the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix: Stewards Document 99; Revised Final Race Classification Document 100; Revised Championship Points Document 101. 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.
“Throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend – and in every event – all teams operated according to the regulations and established standard practices for what concerns the speed limit in the pit lane as they were applied at the time. Competitors adjusted their procedures accordingly and, where required, accepted and served penalties imposed under those regulations.
“In our view, the subsequent removal of penalties creates a situation in which some competitors are disadvantaged by having acted in accordance with the rules and the Stewards’ decisions. Such an outcome risks creating sporting inequity and undermining confidence in the consistent application of the FIA Sporting Regulations.
“Our decision to appeal is not directed at any competitor. Rather, it reflects our belief that the Championship benefits from regulations that are applied consistently, transparently and fairly to all participants. McLaren remains committed to working constructively with the FIA, Formula One and fellow competitors to protect the integrity of the sport and maintain confidence in its regulatory framework.”
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Oscar Piastri could benefit if McLaren are successful in appealing the Monaco Grand Prix race result (Image: Getty)
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed their request for a right of review during the Barcelona Grand Prix. He said on Sky Sports: “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.
“Normally, if you have a drive-through penalty and you don’t do it, it’s 20 seconds (added after the race), and those 20 seconds would put George back to P4. But what are all the other consequences? I don’t think this will hold with the judges, but we have to do it for George’s benefit.”
Red Bull also reportedly lodged their intention to contest Gasly’s reinstatement, but have yet to do so, with this afternoon (Tuesday) being the deadline to confirm an official appeal. Their team principal, Laurent Mekies, said in Barcelona that they were “a bit confused” about Alpine’s successful appeal.
He told Sky Sports: “You are racing around cars that are receiving non-appealable penalties and you are adapting your racing to that. Some cars actually served their penalties. Regardless of what we think as teams – and we are defending our competitive position – it is very important for the fans that we get, moving forward, the right clarity about the race result at the time the race is finishing.”