FIA announce penalty verdicts after M....read more

FIA announce penalty verdicts after M….read more

Following the conclusion of the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday, the FIA officially released decisions regarding two separate penalty investigations that took place during the event. While Saturday’s qualifying session provided fans with the usual edge-of-the-seat excitement typical of the narrow and historic Monte Carlo street circuit, the race itself on Sunday turned out to be far more uneventful. A newly introduced regulation mandating the use of different tire compounds appeared to significantly influence race strategy and contributed to the lack of on-track drama.

The fresh tire rule required teams to use at least two different dry-weather compounds throughout the race. Although intended to enhance competitiveness and mix up strategy, in practice, it led to some teams adopting overly conservative tactics. Many drivers completed their mandatory pit stop early or during safety car periods and then spent the remainder of the race simply managing tire wear rather than fighting for positions, leading to a rather processional race with minimal overtaking.

Despite the overall tame nature of the race, there were still a few noteworthy incidents, particularly one that occurred in the early stages. Shortly after the start, an eye-catching moment unfolded as Alpine’s Pierre Gasly made contact with RB’s Yuki Tsunoda. The incident took place as the cars exited the famous Monaco tunnel section and headed toward the chicane. Gasly, who was closely following Tsunoda, misjudged the braking point and ended up hitting the rear of the Japanese driver’s car.

Fortunately, the collision did not result in serious damage for either driver, and both were able to continue the race, though the contact did raise concerns among fans and commentators. The FIA subsequently reviewed the incident as part of their post-race investigations to determine whether any breach of regulations had occurred and if disciplinary action was necessary.

In their final report, the FIA delivered verdicts on this and another unnamed case. Though full details were not immediately disclosed, it was confirmed that penalties were assessed following the investigations. The outcomes contributed to minor changes in the final classification, though the front runners remained largely unaffected. The review of Gasly’s collision with Tsunoda helped clarify the standards the stewards are enforcing regarding close racing and minor contact.

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix may not be remembered for wheel-to-wheel action, but the post-race penalties highlighted the FIA’s continued commitment to regulating driver conduct and maintaining safety standards. The decision also sparked discussion within the paddock about the effectiveness of the new tire rule and whether further tweaks will be necessary in the future to preserve the spectacle of Formula 1’s most iconic race.