Alpine F1 Protests Monaco Grand Prix Results Over Pit Lane Speed Penalties

The Alpine Formula 1 team is lodging a protest against the Monaco Grand Prix results, citing a series of time penalties issued for speeding in the pit lane. The team argues that these penalties were unfairly applied to multiple drivers, warranting a review of the race outcome.

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These penalties were imposed on at least four teams, which provides a strong reason for a review.

Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore stated that at least four teams were penalized, providing a strong basis for their appeal. The penalties particularly impacted Alpine driver Pierre Gasly, who was demoted from a potential third-place finish to seventh after receiving two separate time penalties. Gasly expressed his deep disappointment, telling "The Race," "I've worked my damn ass off for ten years for a moment like this, we did everything right. I don't think anything could hurt me more right now."

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I've worked my damn ass off for ten years for a moment like this, we did everything right. I don't think anything could hurt me more right now.

Gasly and Alpine contend that the penalties were unjust, suggesting a potential issue with the timing software. The speed limit in the Monaco pit lane is 60 kilometers per hour. Alpine and Gasly believe they can prove he did not exceed this limit. Other drivers, including Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), George Russell (Mercedes), Oscar Piastri (McLaren), and Gasly's teammate Franco Colapinto, also received time penalties for infractions ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 km/h over the limit.

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It shows that there might have been a problem with the software or something.

Drivers like George Russell questioned the system, noting, "It shows that there might have been a problem with the software or something." Lewis Hamilton suggested the unique layout of the Monaco pit lane, with its curved entry, might be contributing to the issue, affecting how drivers engage the speed limiter. Reports indicate that drivers often cut the corner on entry, potentially influencing the speed readings. The controversy highlights the sensitivity of timing in Formula 1 and the potential for minor technical glitches to significantly alter race results.

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I think it's down to how the pit lane is designed. I've been driving here for years and it's not like I drove in without pressing the limiter. It activates immediately.