Flavio Briatore has raised concerns over the fairness of the appeal process following the Monaco Grand Prix penalties that affected Pierre Gasly’s finishing position. Speaking at a press conference during the 2026 Italian Grand Prix weekend in Monza, Briatore questioned the neutrality of the FIA International Court of Appeal panel responsible for reinstating Gasly’s penalties.
Gasly, driving for Alpine, was initially penalised at Monaco for exceeding the pitlane speed limit, a decision later linked to an incorrect measurement by Formula One Management (FOM). After Alpine launched a right of review, the FIA stewards rescinded the penalty, temporarily restoring Gasly’s third-place finish. However, McLaren and Red Bull challenged this decision, leading to the FIA International Court of Appeal reinstating the penalties and demoting Gasly to seventh place.
At the Monza press conference, Briatore specifically questioned the impartiality of one of the judges on the appeal panel, Filippo Marchino. He alleged that Marchino had close ties to McLaren, citing a 2018 speech and the donation of cars to Marchino’s foundation by McLaren as potential conflicts of interest. While Briatore accepted the final ruling, he criticised the integrity of the appeal process on these grounds.
McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, responded firmly to Briatore’s claims, rejecting any suggestion of bias or impropriety. Stella emphasised the importance of clarity and fairness in the application of rules and defended the integrity of the appeal process. The decision notably benefited McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who moved up from fifth to fourth place, gaining additional championship points as a result.
The appeal also impacted Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, who secured a podium position following the reinstatement of Gasly’s penalties. Despite the controversy, no official statement from the FIA addressing Briatore’s allegations has been reported. Briatore’s return to Formula 1® as Alpine’s executive advisor in 2024 has brought renewed attention to his outspoken style, given his complex history within the sport, including a lifetime paddock ban that was overturned in 2010.
This episode highlights ongoing tensions in the sport’s regulatory and judicial processes, particularly when decisions have significant effects on race results and championship standings. While Briatore’s concerns focus on potential conflicts of interest within the appeal panel, the official mechanisms remain in place, with teams and officials continuing to navigate the complexities of rule enforcement in Formula 1®.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between sporting fairness and procedural integrity in Formula 1®, especially when penalties and appeals influence the outcomes of high-profile races. The debate around the Monaco Grand Prix appeal process remains a point of discussion within the paddock as the championship progresses.