Alpine weighs next steps after controversial Gasly penalty ruling

Alpine is exploring whether it can challenge the FIA International Court of Appeal's decision to reinstate Pierre Gasly's Monaco Grand Prix time penalties, which dropped him from sixth to seventh place. The French squad is reviewing its options after Flavio Briatore openly questioned the independence of one of the judges on the panel.

Why it matters:

The case has reignited tensions between Alpine and McLaren, with Briatore's accusations drawing a sharp rebuke from Andrea Stella, who called the remarks "insulting." Beyond the championship implications, the dispute raises questions about the transparency of the FIA's judicial processes.

The details:

• The ICA overturned the stewards' decision to annul Gasly's two five-second penalties for pit-lane speeding, following appeals from Red Bull Racing and McLaren.
• Gasly was demoted to seventh, while Isack Hadjar regained his first Red Bull Racing podium.
• In Monza, Briatore targeted judge Filippo Marchino, claiming ties to McLaren and questioning his independence.
• Alpine had previously stated it would accept the ICA's ruling, but the team is now reviewing its options.

What's next:

• Formal review: Article 15.3 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules allows an ICA ruling to be reviewed if significant new evidence emerges that wasn't known at the outset and could alter the decision.
• Deadline: Any request must be submitted by November 30, given the impact on championship standings. The ICA then decides whether grounds exist for a rehearing.
• Briatore's claim: He insists Alpine only discovered the information behind his accusations after the hearing. However, judges are disclosed before a case begins, and objections could have been raised earlier.
• External avenues: Article 17 leaves room to take the matter to another court or tribunal, but only after all internal FIA remedies are exhausted.