McLaren outline ‘double intent’ as Gasly penalty saga reaches FIA court

The controversy stems from the Monaco Grand Prix, where the Alpine driver initially finished third before receiving two separate five-second penalties for speeding in the pit lane. The additional ten seconds dropped the Alpine driver to seventh in the final classification, before the team challenged the outcome through a Right of Review.

Alpine presented new evidence indicating that the distance on which the pit-lane speed calculations were based was inaccurate. After reconsidering the case, the stewards withdrew both penalties and reinstated Gasly in third place, a decision that consequently pushed Isack Hadjar off the podium.

The reversal, however, created a wider sporting issue. Other drivers, including Oscar Piastri, received comparable penalties during the race and served them before the chequered flag, meaning the time they lost could not subsequently be recovered. McLaren and Red Bull consequently took the matter to the FIA International Court of Appeal, questioning the implications of overturning Gasly’s sanctions after the event.

Speaking to GPblog and other media after the Dutch Grand Prix, Stella explained that McLaren’s decision to pursue the case is driven by two separate considerations. The first concerns Formula 1 as a whole, with the team seeking greater clarity over the procedure that led to the Monaco sanction being overturned. From McLaren’s perspective, the matter raises questions about how such cases should be handled consistently and fairly across the grid.

The second element is directly related to McLaren’s own competitive interests. The team already served a sanction that could not be appealed, suffering a tangible sporting consequence and losing championship points in the process. Stella therefore believes McLaren has been directly affected by a situation that now requires further examination.

GPblog understands there probably won't be a decision published today on the outcome of the hearing.