Monaco GP Controversy Grows as FIA Reconsiders Penalty Decision following… see details
The final classification of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix may not be settled just yet, as fresh developments involving the FIA and Alpine have opened the door to another potential change in the race results.
Alpine has successfully cleared the first hurdle in its attempt to overturn the penalties handed to Pierre Gasly during the Monaco weekend. The French driver originally crossed the line in third place, securing what appeared to be a valuable podium finish for the Enstone-based team. However, two separate five-second penalties for speeding in the pit lane dramatically altered his result, dropping him from third to seventh in the final standings.
Gasly was not the only driver affected by pit-lane speed infringements. Several other competitors also received penalties for the same offence, including Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes star George Russell, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, and Alpine teammate Franco Colapinto. In total, five drivers were punished on six separate occasions throughout the race.
Believing that the penalties may have been based on flawed calculations, Alpine formally requested a right of review. The hearing took place in Barcelona on Thursday, where the team was required to present significant new evidence before the FIA would consider reopening the case.
That crucial requirement was met after Formula One Management (FOM) reportedly revealed an unexpected issue with the timing calculations used during the race. According to the information presented, the distance measurement employed to determine the drivers’ pit-lane speeds was inaccurate and may have exaggerated the speeds recorded for certain cars, including Gasly’s.
This revelation convinced officials that there was sufficient new evidence to justify moving the appeal to the next stage. The FIA will now take a closer look at the matter and determine whether the penalties were justified or if they should be revised.
The outcome of this review could have major consequences for the final race classification. Should Alpine succeed in overturning Gasly’s penalties, the Frenchman could regain his third-place finish and return to the podium. Such a decision would also affect other drivers, most notably Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, who currently occupies the podium position Gasly lost after the penalties were applied.
Questions also remain regarding the other drivers who received identical punishments. Since Alpine was the only team to submit a formal appeal, it is unclear whether any successful review would automatically apply to the other affected competitors or remain limited solely to Gasly’s case.
Meanwhile, the FIA is facing another technical controversy involving the sport’s new Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system. Reports suggest that the governing body has agreed to re-examine its assessment data after complaints from Red Bull regarding the calculations used to determine eligibility.
The ADUO framework was introduced for the 2026 season to help manufacturers whose power units are significantly behind their rivals in performance. Under the regulations, manufacturers that are between two and four percent slower than the benchmark internal combustion engine (ICE) are granted one extra homologation upgrade opportunity. Those whose engines fall more than four percent behind can receive two additional upgrade allowances.
The initiative was designed to help struggling manufacturers close the competitive gap without waiting for a complete engine redesign cycle. Following analysis of performance data from the opening five races of the season, the FIA informed teams during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend which manufacturers qualified for the additional development opportunities.
However, concerns raised by Red Bull have reportedly prompted the FIA to revisit its calculations and verify the accuracy of the data used in the assessment process. While no official changes have yet been announced, the review could potentially affect which manufacturers are eligible for extra engine development support during the remainder of the season.
With both the Gasly appeal and the ADUO evaluation now under scrutiny, Monaco’s aftermath continues to generate headlines. What initially appeared to be a settled race weekend has evolved into a complex legal and technical battle, leaving teams, drivers, and fans waiting to see whether the FIA’s upcoming decisions will once again reshape the Formula One landscape.