McLaren and Red Bull Racing have officially informed the FIA stewards of their intention to appeal the reinstatement of Pierre Gasly’s podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The notification, submitted on June 12, 2026, sets in motion a process under Article 15.4 of the FIA International Sporting Code, giving each team one hour to lodge the notice and up to 96 hours to file the full appeal.
The original decision to strip Gasly of third place followed two separate five-second penalties for pit-lane speeding. However, a stewards’ review overturned those penalties after Alpine supplied evidence indicating a timing discrepancy in FOM’s measurement system at Monaco’s pit-lane entry. According to the review, the inconsistency affected the recorded speeds of five drivers, including Gasly, prompting the stewards to rescind both penalties.
Within hours of the reinstatement, Red Bull’s sporting director Stephen Knowles, representing Isack Hadjar, made clear that teams were aware of the system’s limitations and had adjusted their pit-lane approach accordingly. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Will Courtenay questioned the fairness of amending race results so late in the process, noting that Oscar Piastri had also been penalised and demoted when the penalties were originally applied.
By signalling their intent to appeal, both McLaren and Red Bull are exercising their rights under the sporting code, even though it remains unclear whether a formal appeal will follow beyond the initial notice. The next few days will be critical, as the teams must decide whether to pursue a full challenge or accept the revised results from Monaco.
The potential appeal highlights the fine margins behind Formula 1® regulations and the growing importance of precise data handling in race adjudication. An adverse ruling could see standings adjusted again, affecting championship points for drivers and constructors alike. Teams will watch closely for the stewards’ opinion on measurement protocols that may extend beyond a single Grand Prix.
For fans, this episode underscores how off-track procedures can influence on-track celebrations. While Gasly’s podium moment briefly brought Alpine joy, the reinstatement now carries uncertainty until the appeal window closes. Supporters of Hadjar and Piastri, in particular, will be keen to learn whether their drivers’ positions hold firm or shift once more.
As the FIA stewards and the appealed teams deliberate, the wider Formula 1® community will be reminded that modern racing extends well beyond race-day tactics. The governance of speed monitoring, review procedures and protest mechanisms shape the competitive landscape just as much as tyre strategy or qualifying performance.
Whatever the outcome, Monaco’s post-race saga offers a glimpse into the complexity of stewarding at the highest level of motorsport. FansBRANDS® is proud to bring news like this straight to the community, helping you stay informed and ready for whatever twists the season may deliver.
