Breaking News: McLaren Boss Hits Back at Alpine in….Read more

McLaren Boss Hits Back at Alpine in….

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has strongly rejected allegations from Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore after a controversial FIA ruling changed the final result of the Monaco Grand Prix.

The dispute erupted at the Italian Grand Prix after the FIA International Court of Appeal reinstated Pierre Gasly’s penalties from Monaco, sending the Alpine driver from third place back to seventh. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar was consequently restored to the final podium position, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri moved up to fourth.

 

The original penalties had been removed after Alpine successfully requested a Right of Review, arguing that an incorrect pit-lane distance measurement meant Gasly had not actually exceeded the speed limit.

 

However, McLaren and Red Bull challenged that outcome, with the FIA Court of Appeal ultimately deciding that the penalties should stand.

 

Briatore then launched a remarkable attack during Friday’s press conference at Monza. The Alpine chief questioned the independence of one of the judges involved in the case, claiming the individual had links to McLaren and suggesting this raised concerns about the fairness of the hearing.

 

Stella responded forcefully.

 

“I find that this conference going in this direction is quite insulting for McLaren,” Stella said, defending the reputation of his team and the integrity of the FIA’s judicial process.

 

The McLaren boss also warned that serious public allegations carry consequences.

 

“If anybody makes these kind of allegations… they are going to have to take the responsibility for what they are saying in a public forum,” Stella added.

 

The FIA has maintained confidence in its International Court of Appeal process, while Alpine has accepted the ruling despite Briatore’s public criticism.

 

The controversy has now added another layer of drama to an already turbulent Monaco saga, with Gasly losing his podium months after initially being handed it back.

 

For McLaren, however, Stella insists the team’s appeal was about sporting fairness and consistent application of the rules—not simply gaining championship points.