VOWLES “WOULD SUPPORT” RED BULL AND MCLAREN APPEAL OVER GASLY’S PENALTIES

Williams team principal James Vowles backs Red Bull and McLaren's planned appeal over the Monaco Grand Prix stewards' decision to cancel Pierre Gasly's post-race penalties. Gasly's two five-second time penalties were rescinded due to an incorrectly measured pit lane distance, promoting him to third place.

Vowles called the reinstatement a "mess," highlighting the unfairness to drivers like Oscar Piastri, who would have gained a podium, and George Russell, whose similar penalty was enforced and already served. He argued that while the measurement was flawed, teams are still responsible for complying. Williams itself adjusted its pit speed after a Friday penalty in Monaco, noting drivers often "shortcut" the pit lane, shortening the effective distance. Teams typically set their pit lane limiter below the official speed to account for such variables. An appeal could force the FIA to clarify its stance on pit lane enforcement and the consistency of penalty application.