Gasly lashes out at FIA after Monaco podium reversal: “We have been robbed!” – Pierre Gasly has criticised the FIA after losing his Monaco Grand Prix podium following a successful appeal by Red Bull and McLaren, but the Alpine driver responded in the strongest possible fashion by taking pole position at Monza.
Gasly originally finished third at Monaco, only to be handed two time penalties for speeding in the pit lane. Alpine appealed the decision and initially succeeded in having the penalties overturned, restoring Gasly to the podium.
That decision was subsequently challenged by Red Bull and McLaren at the FIA International Court of Appeal. On Friday, the court ruled in their favour, meaning Gasly was stripped of his Monaco podium once again.
Speaking to Canal+ in Monza, the Alpine driver made his feelings unmistakably clear.
“We have been robbed! I don’t think it will stop there either. It was really very clear, based on the speed we had in the pit lane.”
Gasly unhappy with sporting consequences
Gasly believes the controversy demonstrates how legal disputes can overshadow what happens on track.
“Many different interpretations are being given and various legal battles are being fought over points, but that all goes beyond what is happening on a sporting level. It is sad that results are determined based on the outcomes of situations like this.”
Despite his frustration, Gasly insisted that he would leave the remainder of the dispute to Alpine while concentrating on his performances behind the wheel.
“On the track we crossed the line in third place, but then things suddenly took a different turn. In any case, I’ll let my team handle the rest. I did what I could on the track during the race, now it’s up to them to do what they have to do. I have confidence that they will.”
For Alpine, however, the Monaco ruling remains a particularly painful subject. Team director Nielsen acknowledged that the decision would continue to frustrate him, but Gasly’s response at Monza has provided the perfect sporting counterpoint.
Alpine turns Monaco frustration into Monza pole
Just two days after the FIA ruling, Gasly produced a stunning performance at Monza to take pole position for the Italian Grand Prix.
The result was particularly significant for Alpine, which had gone from the disappointment of losing Gasly’s Monaco podium to celebrating a front-row starting position in remarkably little time.
Nielsen described the turnaround as extraordinary.
“If you had asked me two or three days ago, we would all be at our wits’ end. So it really is from deep low to the top of the world in just two days? It’s amazing. We have to enjoy it and make the best of it.”
The Alpine director also admitted that the Monaco ruling would remain a source of personal frustration.
“It is a long time in politics and Formula 1. When you consider the mood in the camp when we got the result from Monaco, which to be honest will annoy me for the rest of my life, then this is a nice way to strike back with pole position.”
Gasly chasing second F1 victory
Gasly now has a genuine opportunity to turn his pole position into an even bigger statement by winning at Monza.
The timing could hardly be more appropriate. Six years ago, Gasly claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory at the Italian circuit in one of the sport’s most memorable recent upsets.
A second Monza victory would therefore provide a remarkable bookend to that breakthrough success.
Gasly himself is keeping the focus firmly on the opportunity ahead rather than the controversy behind him.
“We didn’t expect to be on pole position, but that is the case. Tomorrow, good starts, good strategy, good pit stops, who knows? Let’s try to win.”
The A526’s low-drag characteristics have helped Alpine produce impressive one-lap performance at Monza. If Gasly can convert pole into the lead at the first corner, he could complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds of his career — from losing a podium through an FIA ruling to potentially winning the Italian Grand Prix just days later.
Monza starting grid
- Pierre Gasly — Alpine
- George Russell — Mercedes
- Charles Leclerc — Ferrari
- Lewis Hamilton — Ferrari
- Max Verstappen — Red Bull
- Oscar Piastri — McLaren (+3 places for impeding Lawson)
- Franco Colapinto — Alpine
- Lando Norris — McLaren
- Arvid Lindblad — Racing Bulls
- Gabriel Bortoleto — Audi
- Ollie Bearman — Haas
- Nico Hulkenberg — Audi
- Carlos Sainz Jr. — Williams
- Esteban Ocon — Haas
- Yuki Tsunoda — Racing Bulls
- Valtteri Bottas — Cadillac
- Sergio Perez — Cadillac
- Fernando Alonso — Aston Martin
- Lance Stroll — Aston Martin
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli — Mercedes (penalised for PU replacement)
- Alex Albon — Williams (penalised for PU replacement)
- Liam Lawson — Red Bull (penalised for PU replacement)
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Craig Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
