McLaren Appeals Cancellation of Pierre Gasly’s Monaco Grand Prix Penalties

McLaren has confirmed it has lodged an appeal against the Monaco Grand Prix stewards’ decision to cancel the time penalties originally handed to Pierre Gasly. The ruling promoted the Alpine driver to third place in the final race classification and changed the finishing order behind him.

The decision had a direct effect on Oscar Piastri, who was moved from fourth to fifth after Gasly’s penalties were removed. McLaren is now challenging both the cancellation of the penalties and the revised Monaco Grand Prix result, including the championship points awarded as a consequence of the amended classification.

Gasly had initially received two five-second time penalties for exceeding the pit lane speed limit during the race. However, Alpine later requested a Right of Review, arguing that the calculation used to determine the speed infringement was flawed. After considering the case, the stewards accepted that Gasly’s speed had been overestimated because of an incorrect measurement of the pit lane length.

As a result, the stewards rescinded both of Gasly’s penalties. That decision elevated him to third place and reshuffled the positions of several drivers behind him. McLaren believes the outcome raises wider questions about how the regulations were applied during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend and how post-race corrections should affect competitors who had already accepted penalties under the rules in place at the time.

Piastri also received a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane. Unlike Gasly, he served his penalty during the race, meaning it could not be removed in the same way after the chequered flag. Other drivers who committed similar infringements also served their penalties during the grand prix. McLaren’s concern is that the later cancellation of Gasly’s penalties may have created an imbalance between drivers who served sanctions during the race and one whose penalties were later overturned.

McLaren cites sporting fairness and consistency

In a statement, McLaren said it respected the FIA’s judicial process and the role of the stewards, but believed the case touched on important principles for Formula 1. The team said the matter was not aimed at any rival competitor, but was instead about the consistent and transparent application of the FIA Sporting Regulations.

McLaren said all teams operated throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend according to the regulations and standard procedures as they were being applied at the time. Teams adjusted their pit lane procedures accordingly and, when penalties were imposed, accepted and served them under those conditions.

The team argued that removing penalties after the race can disadvantage competitors who complied with the original decisions made by officials. In McLaren’s view, that risks creating sporting inequity and may weaken confidence in the way regulations are enforced across the championship.

McLaren added that its appeal reflects its belief that Formula 1 benefits when rules are applied consistently, fairly and transparently to every participant. The team also stated that it remains committed to working constructively with the FIA, Formula One and other competitors to protect the integrity of the sport and maintain trust in its regulatory framework.

Monaco Grand Prix result remains under scrutiny

The Monaco Grand Prix classification is already the subject of further scrutiny. Mercedes has requested a Right of Review in relation to the race result, while Red Bull, whose driver Isack Hadjar was demoted from third place as a result of the stewards’ decision, has also indicated it is considering an appeal.

The situation means the final outcome of the Monaco Grand Prix may remain uncertain until the relevant review and appeal processes are completed. Any change to the classification could also affect the distribution of championship points, making the case significant not only for the race result but also for the wider standings.

At the centre of McLaren’s appeal is the question of how Formula 1 should handle penalties when the basis for an infringement is later found to be incorrect. The team’s position is that any remedy must take account of all competitors affected by the original decisions, especially those who served penalties during the race and had no opportunity to recover them afterward.

The FIA’s handling of the appeal will therefore be closely watched by teams and drivers, as it may influence how similar cases are treated in the future. For McLaren, the issue is not simply whether Gasly’s penalties should stand, but whether the process delivers a fair and consistent result for every driver involved in the Monaco Grand Prix.

2026 Monaco Grand Prix

• McLaren confirms appeal against cancellation of Gasly’s Monaco Grand Prix penalties
• Mercedes request Right of Review over Monaco GP result after Russell penalty
• Vowles “would support” Red Bull and McLaren appeal over Gasly’s penalties
• Gasly “proud” of FIA after penalties rescinded: “It’s a massive step forward for our sport”
• Mercedes exploring legal options over Russell’s Monaco GP penalty – Wolff

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