Tension in the Formula 1 paddock reached a boiling point after Alpine boss Flavio Briatore leveled serious accusations. He claimed a member of the FIA appeal panel that handled Alpine's case had a conflict of interest. The allegation immediately drew sharp responses from McLaren and the FIA.
It all started with the controversial decision at the Monaco Grand Prix. Pierre Gasly initially lost his podium after receiving a time penalty for speeding in the pit lane. However, Alpine successfully exercised its right of review, and the penalty was removed, restoring Gasly to the top three.
McLaren and Red Bull, feeling aggrieved, lodged a protest. As a result, the FIA Court of Appeal ruled to reinstate Gasly's penalty, dropping him to seventh and promoting Isack Hadjar to the final podium spot.
The Bias Accusation That Sparked Controversy
Following the ruling, Briatore made a startling claim during the press conference. He alleged that judge Filippo Marchino had links to McLaren, citing a photo with a McLaren car at an event in 2018.
McLaren strongly denied the accusation. Team principal Andrea Stella called it "insulting" and stressed that McLaren's road car division is separate from the Formula 1 team.
FIA Fights Back with Official Statement
In response, the FIA International Court of Appeal issued an official statement. They emphasized that the process of appointing judges followed applicable procedures and the highest standards, including the IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest.
The FIA also noted that judges are elected by the FIA General Assemblies and are subject to strict independence rules. They make annual disclosures of interests and sign a specific declaration of independence for each case. Parties involved are invited to raise any concerns at the beginning and conclusion of the hearing.
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