Mercedes have withdrawn their appeal against the reinstatement of Pierre Gasly's third-place finish at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, officials confirmed on June 18, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Gasly originally crossed the line third but was demoted to seventh after receiving two five-second penalties for pit lane speeding, totaling 10 seconds [1, 2, 3]. Alpine successfully challenged the penalties, leading to Gasly’s podium finish being reinstated just before the race [1, 3, 2].
Mercedes driver George Russell also received penalties for pit lane speeding, which dropped him from third place to 12th after the race [1, 2]. His penalty situation was complicated by a safety car period and a race suspension under a red flag [2].
The controversy stemmed from officials using an incorrect measurement for the pit lane speed limit, applying a longer distance than could realistically be driven. Alpine exposed this error during their appeal [2]. Mercedes had requested a "right of review" hearing originally scheduled for June 20, 2026, but decided to withdraw it to avoid prolonging proceedings after concluding no clear route existed to restore Russell’s position [2].
The Formula One stewards stated, "The stewards have been informed by Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team that they are withdrawing the petition for review in respect of the decisions of the stewards of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix" [1].
Meanwhile, McLaren and Red Bull continue to appeal penalties affecting their drivers Oscar Piastri and Isack Hadjar respectively [1, 3]. McLaren said their appeal "raises important questions about sporting fairness, regulatory consistency and the integrity of competition" [1, 3].
The next scheduled step is the formal hearing of Mercedes' withdrawn petition on June 20, 2026, which will no longer proceed [2]. McLaren and Red Bull’s appeals remain active as the process continues.
