Isack Hadjar lost his first Red Bull podium finish post the Monaco Grand Prix as Alpine successfully appealed against two five-second penalties given to Pierre Gasly during the race. Gasly’s penalties were overturned after the stewards discovered an error in measuring car speeds in the pit lane. This decision pushed Gasly back into third place, relegating Hadjar to fourth in the final race results.
Gasly, who was penalized for speeding in the pit lane, claimed he had activated his speed limiter on time and was disheartened to lose his podium spot. Alpine quickly lodged a Right of Review with the FIA after the race, leading to a hearing in Barcelona where new evidence was presented, justifying the appeal.
Formula One Management provided evidence that inaccuracies in the timing loops led to an overestimation of car speeds, affecting Gasly and other drivers. Gasly’s penalties were the only ones overturned due to Alpine being the sole team to request a review.
After the hearing, it was confirmed that Gasly’s third-place finish was reinstated. Alpine expressed gratitude to the FIA and Formula One Management for their cooperation throughout the review process. The team emphasized their focus on the upcoming Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
The stewards explained that Gasly did not exceed the pit lane speed limit and ordered the removal of the penalties imposed on him. While Gasly’s penalties were rescinded, other drivers penalized for the same offense during the Monaco race will retain their penalties as served penalties cannot be appealed retroactively.
The stewards clarified that they lack the authority to reverse served penalties and emphasized the importance of timely action in petitioning for a review. Despite the timing system error, Gasly’s penalties were the only ones annulled due to Alpine’s proactive approach in seeking a review.
