McLaren and Red Bull follow through with Monaco GP appeal

McLaren and Red Bull have confirmed that they are moving forward with appeals against the FIA’s decision to reinstate Pierre Gasly’s podium finish from the Monaco Grand Prix, escalating a controversy that has already become the most debated regulatory dispute of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The two teams had previously signalled their intention to challenge the ruling after FIA stewards overturned penalties that had originally cost the Alpine driver a place in the top three. They have now followed through by initiating the official appeal process.

The dispute arose following the recent Monaco Grand Prix, when Gasly was initially handed two separate five-second time penalties for speeding violations in the pit lane. However, those sanctions were later rescinded after new evidence emerged regarding the way pit lane speeds had been measured.

According to information provided by Formula One Management (FOM), which oversees Formula 1's timing systems, a discrepancy was discovered in the measurement process at the unique Monaco pit lane entry. As a result, Gasly and four other drivers were deemed to have been incorrectly penalised.

The FIA stewards subsequently removed the penalties and revised the race classification, restoring Gasly to the podium.

That decision, however, triggered immediate controversy.

McLaren raises concerns over sporting fairness

The central issue for rival teams is that while Gasly’s penalties were later erased, other competitors had already served penalties during the race based on the same interpretation of the regulations.

McLaren believes that the outcome creates an imbalance and has publicly outlined the reasoning behind its appeal.

A statement from the Woking-based team read:

"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.”

The team argued that retroactively removing penalties after competitors had already adjusted their race strategies and accepted sanctions could create an unfair sporting outcome.

The statement continued:

"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."

Red Bull and Mercedes also challenge verdict

While Red Bull has yet to issue a public statement detailing its position, the Milton Keynes-based team is understood to have also formally appealed the ruling.

The decision had significant implications for Red Bull, as the revised classification resulted in Isack Hadjar losing a podium finish after Gasly was restored to the top three.

But the controversy may widen further still.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed following the race weekend in Barcelona that the German manufacturer intended to pursue a separate right of review regarding the stewards’ decision. The team has since completed the necessary procedural steps and submitted its request to the FIA.

However, unlike the appeals lodged by McLaren and Red Bull, the Mercedes process first requires the FIA to determine whether the request is admissible before any review can proceed.

For now, all eyes will turn to the FIA’s judicial process as Formula 1 faces a potentially significant legal and sporting battle over the interpretation of its regulations.

• Read also: Mercedes joins Monaco penalty fight with FIA review request

At the heart of the dispute is not whether a timing discrepancy occurred, but whether correcting that error after the fact has created a new problem – one involving competitive fairness, consistency of enforcement and confidence in the sport’s rulebook.

The outcome of the appeals could have ramifications not only for the Monaco Grand Prix classification, but also for how Formula 1 handles similar regulatory disputes in the future.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook