Vowles backs McLaren and Red Bull appeal against Gasly's reinstated Monaco podium

Williams team principal James Vowles has backed McLaren and Red Bull’s potential formal appeal against the reinstatement of Pierre Gasly’s podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix, describing the situation as creating “a bit of a mess”.

Gasly was among several drivers penalised for speeding in the pitlane during the race in Monte Carlo. While most drivers served their penalties on track, Gasly’s were applied to his post-race time. Alpine subsequently launched a Right of Review, and the FIA confirmed the French team had successfully presented new evidence — unavailable to the stewards at the time — proving Gasly had not been speeding. His third-place finish was duly reinstated.

McLaren and Red Bull have both signalled their intention to appeal the decision, while Mercedes has confirmed it is in discussions with its lawyers. Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona-Catalunya, Vowles said he was taken aback by the outcome.

“I’m surprised we have the reinstatement, being frank about it,” Vowles said. “It doesn’t really affect us personally — he was ahead of us whichever way you do that. I think it’s more that it creates a bit of a mess now. What do you do with George? What do you do with Piastri, who also, in that circumstance, should have been on the podium as a result. That’s the mess I don’t feel comfortable about.”

Asked directly whether he would support a formal appeal from McLaren and Red Bull, Vowles was unequivocal: “For good reason. I would support them in that.”

The reinstatement has significant implications for the final podium order at Monaco. George Russell and Oscar Piastri are among those whose finishing positions were affected by the original penalties, and the outcome of any appeal could reshape the standings further.

Elsewhere in Monaco, Williams had a mixed afternoon. Alex Albon claimed eighth place and four championship points, but Carlos Sainz retired after separate collisions with Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto.