F1 – Mercedes counter-attacks after Gasly's turnaround: Can Russell still make a big comeback in Monaco?

The FIA's decision to reinstate Pierre Gasly's third-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix continues to cause a stir in the paddock. This time, it's Mercedes taking a stand. Believing that George Russell was penalized by a situation now acknowledged as problematic, the German team is exploring all legal options to try and obtain redress.

Gasly rehabilitated, Russell wronged?

After losing his podium finish in Monaco due to two penalties for speeding in the pit lane, Pierre Gasly finally won his case thanks to a request for review filed by AlpineNew elements were presented at the FIA led the commissioners to cancel the sanctions against the Frenchman and restore his third place.

This decision, however, sparked a new controversy. Several drivers had been penalized for the same reason during the Monaco Grand Prix, including George RussellUnlike Alpine, Mercedes Benz was unable to initiate a similar procedure within the allotted time.

Toto Wolff does not hide his frustration

The director of Mercedes Benz believes that this matter should have been dealt with well before the start of the race.

"This situation is extremely regrettable. This problem had already been reported before race Sunday and everyone knew it existed." ", said Toto Wolff.

The Austrian boss points out that Russell had made a strong comeback and a race without this penalty would probably have changed his final result, or even his position in the championship.

"The consequences for George are enormous. Without this procedural error, his race would have been completely different."

Mercedes is consulting its lawyers

Wolff confirmed that Mercedes Benz He was already working with his legal team to assess the remaining options. Even though he acknowledges that the chances of obtaining a ranking change are slim, the executive wants to explore every available avenue.

“We spoke with our lawyers to see what could be done. I don’t think we have a real chance of reversing the result, but we have to try if there’s even the slightest possibility.” »

According to several reports circulating in the paddock, McLaren et Red Bull would also consider challenging the decision that allowed gasly to reclaim his podium position.

A new legal battle on the horizon?

The matter could now extend beyond the simple context of Monaco's result. Mercedes Benz particularly wishes that the FIA clarifies how similar situations will be handled in the future to avoid some teams benefiting from a review while others are blocked by regulatory or scheduling constraints.

While FIA thought he had closed the case gaslyOn the contrary, the controversy seems to be entering a new phase, with Russell now at the center of the debates.