Formula 1: Pierre Gasly 'heartbroken' after losing 3rd place to penalties

Pierre Gasly's Monaco Grand Prix ended in heartbreak and controversy after he was demoted from a podium finish to seventh place due to two pit lane speeding penalties. The French driver, who crossed the line third in his Alpine, was penalized for exceeding the speed limit by 0.1 and 0.4 km/h in the pit lane, according to race stewards.

Visibly devastated, Gasly described himself as "heartbroken" and felt his podium had been "stolen" after a decade of hard work. "I live for these moments, but certainly not for being unfairly penalized and having a podium stolen from me, not after all the work we put in," he said in the mixed zone. He insisted that his car's speed was below 60 km/h and that he had engaged the speed limiter well before the lines in both instances.

Alpine has lodged a "Right of Review" with the FIA, seeking to have the penalties re-examined. However, the team faces a difficult task, as the FIA rarely overturns such decisions. Gasly, who has achieved five podiums in his career, felt this one was particularly deserved and expressed hope for a favorable outcome, though he appeared close to tears.

The incident casts a shadow over what could have been a significant result for Alpine, highlighting the fine margins and strict enforcement of rules in Formula 1. Gasly's strong reaction underscores the emotional toll such decisions can take on drivers who strive for every opportunity to reach the top.