Tensions in the Formula 1 paddock have reached boiling point after Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore launched a stunning attack on the impartiality of an FIA International Court of Appeal (ICA) judge. Now, the ICA has hit back with a strong official statement denying all allegations.
The controversy erupted during Friday's explosive team principals' press conference. Briatore took aim at Judge Filippo Marchino, a panel member in last month's ICA hearing involving McLaren and Red Bull's protest over Pierre Gasly's Monaco Grand Prix podium.
Behind the Scenes of the Heated Gasly Appeal
The case stems from the controversial Monaco Grand Prix result. Pierre Gasly had been promoted to third place after Alpine successfully filed for a right of review over two pit-lane speeding penalties. But appeals from McLaren and Red Bull changed everything.
The ICA hearing ultimately restored Gasly's penalties, dropping him to seventh and promoting Isack Hadjar back to the final podium spot. Alpine issued a statement saying it disagreed but respected the decision, before Briatore escalated matters with his bias claims during the press conference.
Briatore alleged Marchino acted like a "prosecutor" and was "very nasty." More seriously, he claimed Marchino had links to McLaren through his One Drop Foundation in 2018, even producing a photo with a McLaren Special Operations (MSO) vehicle. MSO is McLaren's road car division, completely separate from the F1 team.
ICA's Official Response: Procedures Met Highest Standards
In response, the ICA reaffirmed that judge appointments followed FIA judicial procedures inspired by the IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest. All judges are elected by FIA General Assemblies, subject to strict independence rules, and sign declarations of independence for each case.
Notably, the ICA pointed out that neither party raised any objections during the hearing. At both the start and conclusion, parties were invited to challenge the court's composition or proceedings, but none did.
The ICA also stressed the importance of diverse panels, bringing different legal traditions to strengthen fairness and credibility. They expressed full confidence in the integrity of their judges and the soundness of the process.
Briatore's allegations drew a furious response from McLaren boss Andrea Stella, who called them "insulting" and warned that accusers must be ready to defend their claims. Marchino himself has yet to issue a public response.
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