Alpine lodged a formal appeal to overturn the stewards’ decision that restored Pierre Gasly’s Monaco podium after two penalties were cancelled. McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull joined the review, turning the case into a right‑to‑review showdown. The controversy stems from a Formula One Management (FOM) timing error that mis‑measured pit‑lane sensor distance, prompting stewards to erase penalties despite rival teams serving them.

Alpine’s data, recorded directly from Gasly’s car, showed he never exceeded 60 km/h, contradicting the sensor reading that triggered the infractions. Other teams officially accepted the official figures and served penalties during the next pit stop, forfeiting any chance to appeal in practice. This creates unequal treatment, as only teams that file post‑race appeals can challenge a decision that the regulations deem final.

McLaren’s statement argues the appeal seeks to reverse the stewards’ cancellation, not to restore lost seconds for Oscar Piastri, and claims the episode threatens sporting fairness and regulatory consistency. Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies warned teams could alter pit‑lane strategy to exploit “non‑appealable” penalties. With no rule to rescind served penalties, the saga exposes a regulatory maze that could spawn further disputes.