Mercedes seeks right of review over Russell's Monaco penalty using Gasly verdict as new evidence

Mercedes has formally initiated a right of review procedure with the FIA over George Russell’s Monaco Grand Prix time penalty, citing the overturning of Pierre Gasly’s pitlane speeding sanction as new and significant evidence — even as team principal Toto Wolff conceded the bid faces long odds.

The Monaco result remains contested in the paddock despite the Barcelona Grand Prix having already been run. Gasly’s double time penalty for pitlane speeding was overturned after official timekeeper Formula One Management acknowledged that the measurements used in Monaco were not entirely accurate, meaning drivers could legally travel a shorter distance in the pitlane than officials had originally calculated. Alpine succeeded on both counts of the two-step right of review process: establishing that new evidence existed, and then having the stewards reopen and rule in their favour.

Mercedes argues that the same two factors — the admission of inaccurate measurements and the successful overturning of Gasly’s penalty — constitute new evidence that was not available when Russell was penalised during the race, and that both elements justify a fresh examination of his case.

“On the Gasly thing, yes, we’ve asked for a right of review because we just simply want to sit on the table when decisions are being made,” Wolff said on Sunday night in Barcelona.

Mercedes confirmed on Monday morning that the procedure had been initiated, a fact the FIA also confirmed. However, no official FIA document had been issued at the time of writing, as several submissions from the team are still required before the case can formally begin.

Wolff was candid about the obstacles facing the team. Unlike Gasly, who received only time penalties that could be removed from his race result, Russell had already served a drive-through penalty during the Monaco race itself — a physical sanction that cannot be retrospectively undone in the same way. That distinction makes a successful outcome significantly harder to achieve.

Meanwhile, McLaren and Red Bull have each lodged an intention to appeal with the FIA over the reinstatement of Gasly’s result, effectively securing a 96-hour window to decide whether to pursue a formal appeal. Red Bull confirmed that decision has not yet been made.