Gasly Admits Monaco Podium Reinstatement Cannot Replace What He Missed Out On

Pierre Gasly has welcomed the decision to restore his third-place finish at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, but acknowledged the moment itself is gone forever.
The Alpine driver was originally classified seventh in Monte Carlo after receiving two penalties for speeding in the pitlane, before stewards overturned those penalties nearly five days after the race.
The FIA stewards reviewed the case following a right of review submitted by Alpine and concluded that Gasly had not committed any offence during the Monaco event.
With the penalties removed, Gasly was restored to his third-place finish on track, marking the sixth podium of his Formula 1 career, while Isack Hadjar was taken off the podium.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Friday in Barcelona, Gasly said he was immensely proud of the way his team fought to have the result corrected after what he called the “hardest” day of his career.
“I’m extremely happy for the whole team, very proud of the whole team, the way they have fought for all of us for that result,” he said.
Gasly admitted that Sunday night had been an emotional low point, describing a mix of pride in his performance and deep sadness over what he felt was an unjust outcome that left him uncertain about the road ahead.
“I must say, Sunday night I felt very low. A lot of mixed emotions, proud of the performance, extremely sad about the whole decision, the whole situation,” he said.
Despite the positive outcome, Gasly was candid about what the reinstatement could not give back, including the atmosphere of the Monaco podium and the celebrations alongside the prince of Monaco and the Alpine team.
“It won’t give me back what I lost,” he said. “These moments are what makes a career so special. It’s not going to happen, it didn’t happen, that’s how it is. We’ll have to do it another time.”
Gasly also highlighted the championship implications of the result, noting that the 12 points for third place secured Alpine’s fifth position in the constructors’ standings.
“Points are important as well,” he said, adding that 12 months ago Alpine were in a very different position and that last year was a very long and difficult season for the team.
The Frenchman, who won the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, expressed optimism about Alpine’s trajectory under the new regulations, pointing out that the team has scored points in every round of the 2026 season.
“It’s a good time, there’s good momentum. I’m sure it’s going to bring a lot of positivity and the right mood in the team. It can only be good for the future,” he added.
While Gasly celebrated on Friday in Barcelona, rival teams were far from done with the matter, as both Red Bull and McLaren announced their intention to appeal the stewards’ verdict from Monaco.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also revealed he had spoken with the team’s lawyers over their own options, meaning the controversy surrounding the Monaco result is far from fully resolved.
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