Tensions boiled over at the Italian Grand Prix. Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal, reacted strongly to Flavio Briatore's accusations that an FIA appeal judge was biased in favor of his team. Stella called the remarks “quite insulting” to the reputation of a team that deserves respect.
The dispute stems from the FIA International Court of Appeal's decision to reinstate Pierre Gasly's penalty from the Monaco GP. The appeal, filed by McLaren and Red Bull, infuriated Briatore, who was present in the same press conference.
Bias Accusations That Sparked Fury
Briatore made a series of claims, branding the judge “very nasty” and suggesting ties to McLaren. Stella responded bluntly, insisting that serious allegations made in a public forum must be backed by responsibility.
“I find this conference going in this direction quite insulting for McLaren,” Stella said. “If anybody makes these kinds of allegations, they will have to take responsibility. The hearing was conducted to the highest standards, and we should not question that.”
Not About Points, But Fairness
Stella stressed that McLaren's appeal was not merely to reclaim two championship points. The revised result promoted Oscar Piastri to fourth, but for Stella, that was only a minor consequence.
“We were concerned about the application of sporting equality and fairness. This is important not only for McLaren; in fact, all teams were present at the hearing because this was a crucial moment for enforcing the rules,” he explained. For Stella, clarity on the FIA's foundational rules is far more valuable than points.
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