Pierre Gasly can finally smile again. A week after leaving Monaco feeling he'd been denied a well-deserved podium finish, the Alpine driver has officially regained his third place thanks to a successful appeal by his team to the FIA. This decision shakes up the Grand Prix standings, but it could still generate a lot of controversy, as McLaren and Red Bull are now reportedly considering challenging the verdict.
Gasly and Alpine win their case after a timing error
During the Monaco Grand Prix, gasly had been penalized twice for speeding in the pit lane. The two five-second penalties transformed a podium finish earned on the track into a disappointing seventh place.
Refusing to accept this decision, Alpine requested a right of review from the FIADuring the hearing, the French team presented new information provided by Formula One Management.
The investigation revealed that a timing loop used to measure speed in the pit lane was 77 centimeters shorter than intended. This discrepancy was enough to skew the calculations and explain why several drivers were recorded at only 60,1 km/h, one-tenth of a second over the regulatory limit.
In light of this evidence, the commissioners decided to overturn the two sanctions imposed on the Frenchman.
Gasly returns to the podium, Hadjar pays the price
The decision allows Pierre Gasly to officially reclaim third place in the Monaco Grand Prix.
For AlpineThis result represents much more than just a points gain. In a complicated season, this podium finish constitutes one of the team's finest performances and a well-deserved reward for the Frenchman.
« We welcome the FIA's decision and thank all parties for their cooperation during this process. " he indicated Alpine in its official press release.
The reclassification also changes several positions behind him. Isaac Hadjar loses his first podium in Formula 1 and drops to fourth place. Oscar piastri slips to fifth place while Liam Lawson. et Arvid Lindblad each abandon a position.
McLaren and Red Bull are preparing their counter-attack
However, the case is far from over.
According to several reports circulating in the paddock, McLaren and Red Bull have already indicated their intention to consider an appeal against the decision that allowed gasly to regain their podium position. The two teams now have a new deadline to decide whether to officially continue the procedure.
The subject is particularly sensitive for Red Bull, who sees Hadjar losing his first career top 3, but also for McLaren, for: Oscar piastri drops in the final standings.
A new legal battle cannot therefore be ruled out in the coming days.
Russell dominates Barcelona, the rookies shine
While the Monaco affair continues to fuel discussions, George Russell set the fastest time in FP1 of the Spanish Grand Prix with a time of 1'16″363.
The pilot Mercedes Benz preceded Oscar Piastri by more than two-tenths, while Charles Leclerc completes the top 3. Behind them, Max Verstappen could not do better than fourth.
The session was also marked by the presence of several young pilots. Leonardo Fornaroli impressed with a fifth place for McLaren, before Paul Aron on the Audi. Dino Beganovich He also delivered a solid performance, finishing eighth with Classic Ferrari for sale.
FP1 standings in Barcelona
Between the regained podium of Pierre Gasly, the threat of an appeal McLaren and Red Bull and the demonstration of George Russell in Barcelona, the Formula 1 didn't wait for qualifying to deliver its first major drama of the weekend.
For AlpineThis decision represents a sporting and symbolic victory. But until the appeal period has definitively expired, the Monegasque podium of gasly could still remain at the heart of all discussions.
When Pierre Gasly announces the good news to his brothers in the Barcelona paddock! 🥰
His penalties from Monaco are cancelled, so he takes 3rd place in the Grand Prix!
Tune in to CANAL+SPORT at 13:15 PM to discuss it! 🏆 #F1 #BarcelonaGP pic.twitter.com/FvpK3FlXtz
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) June 12, 2026