FIA stewards reversed the revocation of Pierre Gasly’s podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix, following evidence that pit‑lane speed limits were misrecorded.
Mis‑measured pit‑lane speeds
The decision stems from data released by Formula One Management, which noted an error in how pit‑lane entries were time‑stamped on the street circuit’s unique road. Consequently, Gasly and four additional drivers received two‑five‑second penalties that should not have applied.
Teams weigh in
McLaren and Red Bull now consider filing appeals, citing over 96 hours to review the ruling. Red Bull sporting director Stephen Knowles argued that the measurement system functioned consistently throughout the event and that teams had recalibrated their telemetry accordingly, making the penalties inappropriate.
Piastri and Haas speak out
McLaren’s Will Courtenay defended the decision, insisting that his driver Oscar Piastri, who fell behind after the new penalties, should not have been moved down the order. Meanwhile, Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu highlighted that the majority of the 22‑car grid cleared the pit‑lane without infractions, implying that any margin taken was within acceptable limits.
Impact on the standings
The reinstatement left Gasly in third place, displacing Isack Hadjar who had previously been promoted. The incident underscores the fine line between rule enforcement and measurement precision on cramped street circuits.
Legal framework
According to Article 15.4 of the FIA International Sporting Code, teams are obliged to declare an appeal within an hour of a stewards’ decision. Failing to do so, McLaren and Red Bull are still exploring whether the penalty and subsequent adjustment violate the rulebook, before deciding on formal action.
With the championship stakes mounting, the pending appeals could shift the points map further, forcing teams to weigh procedural strategy against racing performance.
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