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Gasly stripped of Monaco podium after FIA appeal ruling
Pierre Gasly has been demoted from third to seventh in the Monaco Grand Prix result after the FIA upheld appeals from Red Bull and McLaren, promoting Isack Hadjar to the podium.
By Edward Beaumont · 3 min read
Pierre Gasly has been stripped of his third-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix after the FIA upheld appeals from rival teams, demoting the Frenchman to seventh in the final classification. The ruling, announced on Friday, ends a protracted dispute over the race result and promotes Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar to the podium.
Gasly, driving for Alpine, had originally crossed the line third in Monte Carlo on 7 June. However, stewards imposed two five-second time penalties for speeding in the pit lane, dropping him to seventh and elevating Hadjar to third. That decision was initially reversed five days later, prompting Red Bull and McLaren to launch an appeal. The FIA’s latest ruling confirms the original penalties stand, making the result final months after the chequered flag.
Hadjar, a French-Algerian rookie, now officially claims his first career podium in Formula 1, a significant milestone for the Red Bull programme. The promotion also reshuffles the championship standings, though Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who won the race, retains his lead in the drivers’ title race. Max Verstappen, who failed to finish in Monaco, remains a key contender in the season’s broader narrative.
The case highlights the increasing scrutiny on pit-lane conduct and the willingness of teams to contest decisions through formal appeals. Red Bull and McLaren argued that the initial reversal was flawed, and their persistence paid off. For Gasly, the loss of a podium is a bitter blow, especially after a strong performance on the streets of the principality, where overtaking is notoriously difficult and track position is paramount.
The FIA’s decision brings closure to a saga that has dragged on for months, with the governing body emphasising the importance of consistent enforcement of technical and sporting regulations. While Gasly’s Alpine team expressed disappointment, they have not indicated any further legal challenge, suggesting the matter is now closed.
For Hadjar, the promotion is a career highlight and a boost for Red Bull’s driver development programme, which has faced criticism in recent years for a lack of emerging talent. The young Frenchman’s result in Monaco, now officially recognised, adds to his growing reputation and strengthens his case for a permanent seat at the top level.
As the Formula 1 season progresses, the fallout from Monaco serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in every race, where even minor infractions can have major consequences. The championship battle remains tight, with Antonelli leading but facing pressure from Verstappen and other contenders as the calendar moves towards the Italian Grand Prix and beyond.
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