FIA stewards summon multiple drivers after first practice in Monaco

The stewards summoned a total of four drivers after the first practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix. Lindblad has allegedly impeded McLaren's Oscar Piastri, while Leclerc allegedly did the same to Lindblad's teammate, Liam Lawson.

This is not the first time the Ferrari driver will have to go to the stewards at his home Grand Prix. Yesterday, he received a suspended fine for arriving late to the FIA press conference as well.

Moreover, Mercedes received a €100 fine after George Russell exceeded the pit-lane speed limit during FP1. The British driver was 0.3 km/h over the limit in the Monaco pit lane.

The Monegasque driver set the fastest time during the first practice session with a 1:13.9. Lewis Hamilton finished second, with the seven-time world champion’s best lap around two tenths slower than Leclerc's. Max Verstappen completed the top three, but he was more than half a second adrift of the lead Ferrari driver.

Briatore, recently brought back by Renault as executive advisor to arrest Alpine’s slide, has been tasked with shaking up performance and structure after a troubled start to the season.

Otro Capital acquired a 24% minority stake in Alpine two years ago, but any resale of that holding requires Renault’s approval, underscoring the manufacturer’s control over strategic decisions. The collapse of Mercedes and Toto Wolff’s bid was attributed by Briatore to price, while he signaled openness to working with Christian Horner should a Renault-approved deal emerge. Read more

Monaco’s pull on the grid is unmistakable: current and recent residents include Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Alex Albon and Valtteri Bottas, following a tradition set by greats like Ayrton Senna, Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button and David Coulthard.

Beyond the absence of personal income tax, the principality offers quick access via Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, strong security, and a tight-knit community of drivers who train and socialise together. Its streets double as an F1 circuit each year, reinforcing a motorsport culture that few places can match. Read more