Deprived of his third place in Monaco after the FIA Court of Appeal’s decision, Pierre Gasly remains angry. Alpine is now considering the next steps.
The Monaco Grand Prix case is far from over at Alpine. After the FIA International Court of Appeal’s decision to reinstate the penalties imposed on Pierre Gasly and strip him of his third place, the Frenchman expressed his frustration in Monza.
The Alpine driver believes he was unfairly deprived of a podium earned on track and now leaves his team to handle the possible legal follow-ups of the case. His statements come the day after particularly harsh remarks from Flavio Briatore, who publicly questioned the independence of one of the judges involved in the decision.
Gasly: “We got robbed”
Gasly does not try to hide his anger. Interviewed by Canal+ in Monza, the Frenchman used particularly strong words to describe the decision that cost him his podium.
“We got robbed. I think this is not going to stop here,” he said.
The dispute concerns two five-second penalties related to his speed in the pit lane in Monaco. Alpine had initially obtained their cancellation through a right of review, which had allowed Gasly to regain the third position he had secured on track.
McLaren and Red Bull then appealed this decision. The International Court of Appeal ultimately reinstated the sanctions, causing the Frenchman to lose his podium.
Gasly remains convinced that the data Alpine had supported his case.
“I was quite clear about the speed at which we were driving in the pit lane. Then, there are many interpretations and discussions in the offices, on the legal side, concerning elements that go beyond the purely sporting aspect.”
“On track, we finished third”
Beyond the decision itself, Gasly especially regrets seeing the result of a Grand Prix changed several months after the checkered flag.
“It’s sad to see results decided following this kind of events,” he laments. “On track, we finished third.”
The Frenchman now considers he has done his part of the work and does not wish to get directly involved in the next steps of the case. The responsibility lies with Alpine and its legal advisors.
“I will let my team take care of the next steps. I did everything I could on track and now, it’s up to them to do what is necessary. I trust them.”
His remarks nevertheless confirm that Alpine does not necessarily consider the case definitively closed.
Briatore already considers a new offensive
Flavio Briatore himself hinted at this possibility on Friday during the team principals’ press conference in Monza.
The Alpine executive advisor then sparked a heated controversy by questioning Filippo Marchino, one of the judges of the International Court of Appeal. Briatore believes that some supposed links of Marchino with the McLaren world should have raised questions about his presence on the panel judging a case involving the British team.
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“We accept the result of the hearing,” Briatore first specified.
Before adding: “What was very disappointing was to discover that one of the judges has a very good relationship with McLaren.”
These accusations are contested and no conclusion of a conflict of interest has been established. The FIA defends on its side the procedure for appointing the Court.
Alpine considers the next steps
When directly asked about the possibility of a new legal action, Briatore did not close the door.
“We are thinking about it,” he admitted. “We will first let the weekend pass and then we will consider it.”
For now, no definitive decision has therefore been made.
“At this moment, I don’t know,” added the Italian executive.
The main question remains which avenues would still be open to Alpine after an International Court of Appeal decision. The team should examine its options before deciding whether it wants to extend this battle on the legal front.
Stella firmly defends McLaren and the procedure
Briatore’s accusations triggered an immediate reaction from Andrea Stella. The McLaren director considers that publicly questioning the integrity of the procedure also harms the reputation of his team.
“I find it quite insulting for McLaren and for the reputation of a team that deserves a lot of respect to see this conference take this direction,” Stella responded.
The Italian also defended the functioning of the International Court of Appeal.
“The hearing and the entire procedure before the International Court of Appeal were conducted according to the highest standards. We should not question this procedure in this way.”
The FIA indicated that the panel members had been appointed by the president of the independent International Court of Appeal from candidates meeting the required eligibility criteria and elected by the General Assembly of the Federation.
A case far from closed
The case now goes far beyond the simple question of Gasly’s podium in Monaco. To the disagreements over the penalties have been added Alpine’s public questions about the procedure that led to their reinstatement, causing in turn a direct confrontation with McLaren.
Gasly now prefers to stay in the background and let his leaders decide on the way forward. But his message leaves little doubt about his feelings.
For the Frenchman, this third place still belongs to him sportingly. And with Briatore acknowledging considering a new action, the Monaco Grand Prix case could well see a new episode after Monza.