Gasly gets Monaco GP podium back after FIA rescinds speed penalties
Pierre Gasly has had his Monaco Grand Prix result restored after the FIA rescinded two time penalties that had dropped him from third to seventh. A post-race review found a measurement discrepancy in the pit-entry zone: FOM’s official data showed the relevant distance as 2,692cm, while FIA LIDAR measurements recorded 2,615cm — a 77-centimetre gap caused by a barrier that had moved from its pre-race position. Gasly’s pit-entry speeds of 58.7 and 58.8 km/h fell within the permitted threshold under the corrected measurement. Lewis Hamilton, Oscar Piastri, and George Russell also received penalties but served them during the race; those cannot be reversed.
Sources: The Race
The 77cm that forced F1’s stunning Gasly penalty U-turn
The 77-centimetre discrepancy that overturned Pierre Gasly’s Monaco penalties arose from a measurement conflict between two official data sources. FOM calculated the pit-entry speed-limit distance at 2,692cm for the race; FIA LIDAR equipment recording the same zone during the event measured only 2,615cm. The difference traces to a barrier that shifted between the pre-race survey and the race, shortening the route drivers used. Under the corrected 2,615cm figure, Gasly’s recorded pit-entry speeds of 58.7 and 58.8 km/h were compliant with the pit-lane limit. Stewards concluded to “comfortable satisfaction” that the measurement evidence supported rescinding both penalties and restoring Gasly’s third-place finish.
Sources: The Race
McLaren and Red Bull move to challenge Gasly Monaco reinstatement
McLaren and Red Bull Racing have both moved to contest the FIA stewards’ decision to reinstate Pierre Gasly’s Monaco Grand Prix podium finish. McLaren has filed a formal intention to appeal the ruling, which returns Gasly to third place and removes Isack Hadjar from the podium position he had held following the original post-race classification. Hadjar had initially claimed what would have been his first Formula 1 podium under the penalised order; he loses that result with Gasly reinstated. The appeals process leaves Monaco’s final classification formally unresolved pending FIA Court of Appeal consideration.
Sources: The Race
F1 to review pitlane procedures after Monaco measurement controversy
Formula 1 is to review its pitlane measurement and speed-limit enforcement procedures following the Monaco controversy, in which conflicting FOM and FIA distance data led to Pierre Gasly’s podium being withdrawn and then restored. The two official systems recorded a 77-centimetre difference for the same pit-entry zone, producing different legal conclusions about whether Gasly had complied with the speed limit. The discrepancy — attributed to a barrier having moved from its pre-race position — exposed inconsistencies in how official pitlane measurements are established and maintained across a race weekend, prompting the review of procedures used at circuits worldwide.
Sources: Motorsport.com
Anderson: Monaco podium debacle a huge embarrassment for F1
Veteran Formula 1 technical analyst Gary Anderson has described the Monaco Grand Prix pitlane controversy as a huge embarrassment for the sport. Writing for The Race, Anderson argued that the situation — in which two official bodies held conflicting measurements for the same physical distance, leading to Pierre Gasly’s podium being stripped and then reinstated — exposed serious weaknesses in how Formula 1 enforces its own regulations. The saga drew widespread criticism for its procedural failures, with Isack Hadjar losing a first Red Bull podium and McLaren and Red Bull subsequently filing appeals to contest the reinstated classification.
Sources: The Race
Russell tops Barcelona FP1 as rookies impress on Spanish GP Friday
George Russell set the fastest time in Friday’s first free practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix, clocking a 1m16.363s at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to head the timesheet. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri slotted into second, 0.203 seconds behind, with Charles Leclerc third at 0.520s adrift. Max Verstappen was fourth, 0.684s off the pace. Two rookies made their mark: Gabriele Fornaroli took fifth for Racing Bulls at 0.853s, with Isack Aron sixth at 0.958s. Seven rookies participated in total across the session, including Colton Herta making his first-ever FP1 appearance. Luke Browning set no time due to an electrical issue on his Williams.
Sources: The Race
Ferrari unveils eight-part upgrade package for Barcelona
Ferrari has brought a significant eight-component upgrade to the Spanish Grand Prix as it attempts to close a 79-point gap to Mercedes in the constructors’ championship. The package covers the front wing footplate, nose, floor body, floor board, floor edge, diffuser sidewall, sidepod, and rear diffuser. Charles Leclerc arrives at Barcelona 81 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, making Spain a critical development opportunity for the Maranello team. Ferrari has targeted Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as a venue where aerodynamic updates are particularly relevant given the circuit’s combination of high-speed corners and technical middle sector.
Sources: The Race
Tyre behaviour emerges as new factor hurting McLaren’s title defence
Lando Norris has identified a new tyre-behaviour problem that has compounded McLaren’s difficult run of results, with the team having suffered a double DNF in China, retirements in Canada and Monaco, and Norris now sixth in the standings with 58 points, 98 adrift of championship leader Kimi Antonelli. The issue centres on higher minimum tyre pressures introduced for 2026: Monaco required 24/23 psi front and rear versus 20/19 psi in 2025, while Barcelona’s rear pressures are 26/25 psi compared to 26/22 psi last year. “We couldn’t brake and turn. You’re either braking or you’re turning,” Norris said of the handling effect.
Sources: The Race
Steiner: Team sympathy at Mercedes now shifting toward Antonelli
Former Haas team principal Günther Steiner has pointed to a significant dynamic shift inside Mercedes following Kimi Antonelli’s five consecutive grand prix victories and a 66-point lead in the drivers’ championship. “The shift of the sympathy of the people in the team is now with Kimi,” Steiner said, adding: “1% more love he gets, Kimi will get it.” The observation reflects how team allegiances typically evolve when one driver establishes sustained dominance, with Antonelli’s surge placing team-mate George Russell 68 points behind the championship leader heading into the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Sources: Motorsport.com
Vowles: Williams FW48 to reach full potential by Baku
Williams team principal James Vowles has outlined the development timeline for the FW48, stating the car will reach its full potential around the Baku race later in the season. The team has been operating with a car that remains overweight but has made significant reductions, and Vowles indicated it should reach the weight limit further into the season. “Beyond the August break towards the Baku time, you’ll see the full potential,” Vowles said. Williams currently sits eighth in the constructors’ standings with 11 points, with the weight reduction programme central to unlocking the FW48’s aerodynamic efficiency and on-track performance.
Sources: Motorsport.com
Pirelli’s F1 tyre supply deal extended through end of 2028
Pirelli’s contract as Formula 1’s exclusive tyre supplier has been extended through the end of 2028, following the exercise of an option year on the original 2025–27 agreement. The extension also covers F2 and F3 championships. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the deal in a statement, maintaining continuity in the tyre supply partnership as Formula 1 continues its transition to the 2026 technical regulations. Pirelli has been F1’s sole tyre partner since 2011, and the extended contract ensures stability in the supply arrangement through the opening years of the current regulatory cycle.
Sources: The Race
Drivers' Championship
1. Kimi Antonelli — 156 pts
2. Lewis Hamilton — 90 pts
3. George Russell — 88 pts
4. Charles Leclerc — 75 pts
5. Oscar Piastri — 60 pts
6. Lando Norris — 58 pts
7. Max Verstappen — 43 pts
8. Isack Hadjar — 29 pts
9. Liam Lawson — 26 pts
10. Pierre Gasly — 26 pts
11. Oliver Bearman — 18 pts
12. Franco Colapinto — 15 pts
13. Arvid Lindblad — 13 pts
14. Carlos Sainz — 6 pts
15. Alexander Albon — 5 pts
16. Esteban Ocon — 3 pts
17. Gabriel Bortoleto — 2 pts
18. Fernando Alonso — 1 pts
19. Nico Hulkenberg — 0 pts
20. Valtteri Bottas — 0 pts
21. Sergio Perez — 0 pts
22. Lance Stroll — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 244 pts
2. Ferrari — 165 pts
3. McLaren — 118 pts
4. Red Bull Racing — 72 pts
5. Alpine — 41 pts
6. Racing Bulls — 39 pts
7. Haas — 21 pts
8. Williams — 11 pts
9. Audi — 2 pts
10. Aston Martin — 1 pts
11. Cadillac — 0 pts
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