McLaren lodge appeal of Monaco ruling after Alpine's Pierre Gasly reinstatement

The Woking based team confirmed on Tuesday that it is appealing the FIA Stewards' decision, the revised final race classification and the revised championship points standings issued after Gasly's penalties were overturned.

McLaren said it respected the FIA's judicial processes but believed the case raised significant concerns about sporting fairness, regulatory consistency and the integrity of competition.

The controversy stems from Monaco, where several drivers were penalised for pit lane speeding. Gasly initially received time penalties that dropped him down the order, but Alpine later secured a review after presenting evidence that the pit lane distance used by officials was incorrect. The FIA accepted the new evidence and rescinded Gasly's penalties, restoring his podium finish.

McLaren argued that all teams competed under the regulations and procedures in force during the race weekend and adjusted their strategies accordingly.

"Throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, and in every event, all teams operated according to the regulations and established standard practices for what concerns the speed limit in the pit lane as they were applied at the time," McLaren said.

"Competitors adjusted their procedures accordingly and, where required, accepted and served penalties imposed under those regulations."

The team contends that removing penalties after the event disadvantages competitors who complied with the rules and accepted sanctions imposed during the race.

"In our view, the subsequent removal of penalties creates a situation in which some competitors are disadvantaged by having acted in accordance with the rules and the Stewards' decisions," the statement continued.

"Such an outcome risks creating sporting inequity and undermining confidence in the consistent application of the FIA Sporting Regulations."

McLaren stressed that its appeal was not aimed at Alpine or any other competitor, but rather at ensuring consistency in the application of the rules.

"Our decision to appeal is not directed at any competitor. Rather, it reflects our belief that the Championship benefits from regulations that are applied consistently, transparently and fairly to all participants."

The appeal now moves to the FIA International Court of Appeal, where the legality of the Monaco revisions and their impact on the championship standings will be examined.

McLaren said it remained committed to working with the FIA, Formula 1 and rival teams to safeguard confidence in the sport's regulatory framework.