Gasly finally welcomes Monaco GP trophy, but for how long?

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Better late than never! Pierre Gasly has finally laid his hands on the highly coveted third-place trophy from the Monaco Grand Prix – almost three weeks after the champagne was sprayed on the podium.

It’s been a wild ride for the silverware. The Frenchman crossed the line in the top three, but a brutal pair of five-second time penalties for speeding in the pit lane threatened to ruin the party.

Enter Alpine’s legal heroes, who successfully overturned the decision, snatching the trophy back and denying Red Bull rookie Isack Hadjar a dream podium in Monte-Carlo.

An ecstatic Gasly wasted no time celebrating on Instagram his sixth career top-three in F1: “Monaco trophy found its way home!!! happyyyy day, happy life!!” 🏆

But Pierre might want to keep the trophy cabinet locked. Both Red Bull and McLaren have launched counter-protests after the ruling shuffled them down the order.

With the FIA yet to render its verdict, this precious piece of metal is technically on a temporary visa. Enjoy the company while it lasts, Pierre – just don’t get too attached before the lawyers finish talking!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.