Pierre Gasly Restored to Monaco Podium After FIA Overturns Penalties

Pierre Gasly has officially claimed third place at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix after the FIA stewards overturned two pitlane speeding penalties. The decision follows a successful "right of review" submitted by Alpine, elevating Gasly from seventh to the podium and displacing Isack Hadjar.

Why it matters:

This reversal provides a critical morale boost for Alpine as they navigate the transition into the 2026 regulatory era. After a dismal 2025 season, securing a podium in Monte Carlo—one of the most prestigious races on the calendar—validates their current technical direction and solidifies their fifth-place position in the Constructors' Championship.

The Details:

• The Ruling: Following a detailed review, stewards concluded that Gasly committed no offense, effectively erasing the time penalties that had originally relegated him to seventh.
• Emotional Impact: Gasly expressed pride in the team's fight for justice but admitted that the loss of the physical podium celebration and the experience of celebrating with the Prince of Monaco is an irreplaceable loss.
• Team Momentum: Alpine has managed to score points in every round so far in 2026, marking a significant recovery from a year ago when the car lacked any real competitiveness.
• The Casualty: The ruling removes Isack Hadjar from the podium, sparking immediate tension among the teams involved.

What's next:

The celebration may be short-lived as the paddock prepares for a legal skirmish.

• Both Red Bull and McLaren have already highlighted their intention to appeal the stewards' verdict.
• Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff is reportedly consulting with legal counsel to determine if a precedent has been set that warrants a formal protest.
• The aggrieved teams now have a 96-hour window to lodge their official appeals, leaving Gasly's podium potentially under threat once again.