Controversy following penalty chaos in Monaco: warning from GP veteran Martin Brundle

Throughout the Monaco weekend, an unusually high number of penalties were handed out for exceeding the speed limit in the pit lane, which is particularly narrow in the tiny principality, meaning that the Grand Prix stars are only allowed to drive through it at a maximum of 60 km/h. On race day alone, six offences were reported, each resulting in a 5-second penalty.

Several drivers were affected, but foremost among them was Pierre Gasly, who was handed a 5-second time penalty on two separate occasions. The Frenchman did not serve these penalties, which is why the penalty seconds were added to his race time after the chequered flag had fallen – initially dropping him from third to seventh place.

Alpine’s decision angers rivals

Alpine appealed against the penalties – and, against expectations, was successful. The FIA stewards admitted to a measurement error and rescinded the penalties. This, in turn, caused discontent amongst his rivals, and McLaren, Red Bull Racing and, initially, Mercedes called for a review of the new race result. Mercedes withdrew its appeal, as the FIA announced yesterday, Friday evening.

In the view of F1 veteran Martin Brundle, the FIA has made life difficult for itself with its decision on the Gasly penalties. He writes in his analysis on ‘Skysports.com’: ‘This is a very complicated and awkward decision. Other drivers have served their penalties and adjusted their strategies accordingly; George Russell’s race was even ruined as a result, but because these were not penalties imposed after the race, nothing has changed for them.”

A precedent for future penalties

The former F1 driver also warns: “This also sets a precedent whereby minor penalties are not served during the race in order to preserve the right to challenge them after the chequered flag has been waved. The whole thing is quite a mess, for which there is no easy solution.”

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And Brundle emphasises: “As it turned out, one of the timing loops in the Monaco pit lane was 77 cm shorter than calibrated, which is why numerous speeds of 60.1 km/h were recorded, even though the limit was 60 km/h. Lessons will undoubtedly be learnt from this, and the story will probably remain a talking point for some time to come.”