A major post-race controversy at the Monaco Grand Prix has left Alpine fighting to overturn a decision that cost Pierre Gasly a podium finish.
Gasly initially crossed the line in third place after an impressive performance around the streets of Monte Carlo. However, celebrations were cut short when the FIA reviewed incidents from the race weekend and concluded that the French driver had exceeded the pit-lane speed limit on two occasions.
Following the investigation, the stewards handed Gasly two separate five-second time penalties. The combined ten-second sanction dramatically altered the final standings, dropping him from third to seventh place and stripping him of a valuable podium result.
The revised classification benefited several rivals, reshuffling the points-paying positions and becoming one of the most significant steward decisions of the weekend.
Alpine has since challenged the ruling by submitting a Petition for Review to the FIA. Under the regulations, the team must provide substantial new evidence that was unavailable when the original decision was made in order for the case to be reconsidered.
The FIA has confirmed that a hearing will be held to determine whether Alpine’s new evidence meets the required standard. If it does, the governing body could reopen the case and reassess the penalties imposed on Gasly.
With important championship points at stake, Alpine remains hopeful that the review process could lead to the restoration of Gasly’s original result. For now, however, the amended race classification stands, leaving the Alpine driver officially recorded in seventh place while the Formula 1 paddock awaits the FIA’s final decision.
