Briatore accuses Monaco appeal judge of McLaren links in fairness row

Alpine F1 boss Flavio Briatore has questioned the fairness of the appeal procedure that stripped Pierre Gasly of his Monaco Grand Prix podium, alleging one of the four judges had close links to McLaren. The FIA's International Court of Appeal reinstated Gasly's two five-second penalties, dropping him to seventh and handing the final podium spot to Red Bull's Isack Hadjar.

Why it matters:

This dispute goes beyond a single result, touching on the integrity of F1's judicial process. Briatore's accusations, if proven, could undermine confidence in the sport's governance, while McLaren's strong response shows how high the stakes are for teams competing at the sharp end of the championship.

The details:

• Gasly was one of several drivers penalised in Monaco for exceeding the pitlane speed limit, later found to be caused by an incorrect FOM measurement. Alpine's right of review saw the penalty rescinded, but McLaren and Red Bull appealed, and the ICA ruled in their favour.
• Briatore claimed judge Filippo Marchino acted like a prosecutor and had ties to McLaren, citing a 2018 appearance at MSO Beverly Hills and a foundation that received McLaren cars. "The judge normally needs to be independent completely," he said.
• McLaren team principal Andrea Stella called the allegations "insulting" and defended the court's standards. "The hearing was conducted to the highest standards, and we should not question this case like it's been done," he said.
• Stella added that the appeal was about more than two championship points, stressing the need for clarity on sporting equality and consistency in rule application.

Between the lines:

Briatore's history adds context. He returned to F1 in 2024 after a lifetime ban for his role in the 2008 Crashgate scandal was overturned. His combative style is well known, but directly attacking a judge's impartiality is a serious step that goes beyond typical paddock rhetoric.

What's next:

The FIA has not yet responded to Briatore's comments. With the Italian Grand Prix weekend underway, the focus will shift to on-track action, but this controversy is unlikely to fade quickly. Alpine has accepted the decision, but the war of words with McLaren may continue.