Mercedes withdraws Russell Monaco GP right of review

Mercedes have officially withdrawn their request for a Right of Review into the penalties that derailed George Russell’s Monaco Grand Prix, bringing an end to a brief but significant challenge that had the potential to reshape the race classification.

The Brackley-based team had initially moved to contest the outcome after Russell’s race unraveled following a pit lane speeding infringement.

The British driver, who had been firmly in contention for a podium finish through much of the afternoon, was first penalized for exceeding the pit lane speed limit and then handed a drive-through penalty for incorrectly serving the original sanction.

The sequence of penalties ultimately dropped Russell from the points-paying positions to 12th place.

Mercedes’ decision to pursue a review was influenced by developments involving Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. Gasly successfully challenged a similar pit lane speeding penalty from Monaco, resulting in the restoration of his third-place finish.

That outcome prompted Mercedes to explore whether Russell’s case might also warrant reconsideration.

However, after further discussions with Formula One’s governing bodies, the Silver Arrows have decided not to proceed.

Mercedes opts against further pursuit

The FIA confirmed the team's change of course in a brief statement:

"The Stewards have been informed by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team that they are withdrawing the petition for Review in respect of the decisions of the Stewards of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, breach of Article B1.6.3a of the FIA F1 Regulations in relation to Car 63."

On Friday, Mercedes subsequently explained the reasoning behind the original request and why it had now been abandoned.

The team said:

“We can confirm that we have withdrawn our Right of Review submission relating to the penalties received and served by George Russell during the Monaco Grand Prix.

“Following the decision to rescind Pierre Gasly’s time penalty, it was important for us to explore all available options to address the impact of George’s pitlane speeding penalty on his race result.

“We had a limited time window in which to apply for the Right of Review during the race weekend in Barcelona, and did so in order to reserve our position in this regard.

• Read also: McLaren and Red Bull follow through with Monaco GP appeal

“Our subsequent collaborative discussion with FIA and Formula One has shown their determination to review the unique circumstances arising from the Monaco Grand Prix and to proactively address the factors that caused them.

“In the face of this clear determination, we have concluded that further pursuit of our Right of Review application will not serve our team or the sport and thus we have withdrawn our submission.”

The decision effectively closes the chapter on Mercedes’ attempt to recover the positions lost by Russell in Monaco. It’s unclear of the German outfit’s decision will lead to McLaren and Red Bull also having second thoughts about their own appeal process with the FIA’s International Court of Appeal.

No date has yet been set for the two teams’ cases to be reviewed.

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