FIA release statement after significant Monaco GP podium verdict

The FIA has issued a statement after a final ruling was made on the outcome of the Monaco Grand Prix.

In the hours after the race in early June, Alpine lodged a protest over the two five-second time penalties that were issued to Pierre Gasly.

Due to a timing loop anomaly at the entrance to the pit lane, several drivers were handed five-second time penalties during the race.

However, as Gasly was the only driver not to serve his punishment during the event, Alpine had scope to lodge an appeal after the grand prix.

The stewards ruled in his favour and reinstated him to third, much to the dismay of McLaren and Red Bull, who lodged a protest of their own, which was heard in late August.

It was then determined that Gasly's penalties should be reimposed, demoting him once again to seventh in the order.

The FIA itself insisted that the evidence presented to the stewards and that given in court differ greatly due to the major legal involvement of the latter.

Nevertheless, the sport's governing body vowed to use the situation to further streamline its own practices going forward.

“The FIA is reviewing the methodology and operation of the current Formula 1 timing system and the related regulatory matters,” a statement from the governing body read. 

“It will also be reviewing other judicial procedures and operations including the right of review and the appeal processes.

“The FIA is fully supportive of the Stewarding process and the independence and objectivity of the diverse panels of Stewards who are an integral part of global motorsport. 

“Stewards’ decisions are taken in a different environment to that of the Court, whereas the Court has access to extensive and additional legal counsel input, arguments and evidence.

“The FIA Stewards constantly review their processes and take part in extensive professional development. 

“Every decision of the ICA is carefully examined by FIA Stewards ensuring a process of continuous improvement."