Mercedes have officially confirmed that they have withdrawn their request for a review of the FIA’s decision regarding penalties issued during the Monaco Grand Prix, bringing their involvement in the appeal process to an end.
The Silver Arrows initially launched the review after Alpine successfully challenged the time penalty given to Pierre Gasly. Following Alpine’s appeal, Gasly’s penalty was overturned, restoring his podium finish and significantly altering the final race classification. This outcome prompted Mercedes to investigate whether a similar review could be applied to the penalty received by George Russell.
Russell had been handed a pit-lane speeding penalty during the Monaco Grand Prix, a punishment that had a major impact on his final result. With the FIA’s decision in Gasly’s case creating a new precedent, Mercedes felt it was necessary to explore all possible options to determine whether Russell’s penalty could also be reconsidered.
Under FIA regulations, teams are given a limited period in which they can submit a request for a right of review. Mercedes acted within that deadline during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Barcelona, filing the necessary paperwork to preserve their opportunity to challenge the decision if grounds for a review were found.
However, after further discussions with FIA officials and a detailed examination of the circumstances, Mercedes concluded that continuing with the review would not be beneficial. As a result, the team decided to formally withdraw its submission.
In an official statement, Mercedes explained that while it was important to investigate every available avenue following the reversal of Gasly’s penalty, the team ultimately felt that pursuing the matter further would not serve either Mercedes or the wider interests of Formula 1.
The statement said: “We can confirm that we have withdrawn our right of review submission relating to the penalties received and served by George Russell during the Monaco Grand Prix.”
Mercedes added that the team considered it necessary to examine all options after Gasly’s penalty was rescinded, particularly given the effect Russell’s punishment had on his race result. Nevertheless, after assessing the situation, the team decided not to continue with the process.
Despite Mercedes stepping away from the dispute, uncertainty remains surrounding the final classification of the Monaco Grand Prix. Other teams are still pursuing their own reviews, meaning further changes to the race outcome cannot yet be ruled out.
Both McLaren and Red Bull reportedly still have active rights of review connected to incidents from the Monaco event. Those cases are expected to be examined by the FIA in the coming days, and their outcomes could potentially lead to additional adjustments to the final standings.
For now, Mercedes have drawn a line under their challenge, choosing to focus on future races rather than continue a lengthy legal and regulatory battle. However, with other appeals still pending, the Monaco Grand Prix story may not be completely finished just yet.
