The FIA rejects Ferrari’s protests and confirms the Monaco standings

The FIA released two statements on Sunday evening regarding Ferrari’s protests earlier in the day following the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco.

These protests concerning Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, who allegedly crossed the yellow lines at the pit exit during the race.

The FIA – International Automobile Federation received the protests but rejected both for different reasons.

The protest regarding Sergio Perez, the winner of the Monaco Grand Prix, is rejected as no evidence indicates that he crossed the line.

Regarding Max Verstappen, it’s different. Videos indeed show that he went over this yellow line and Ferrari refers to a similar situation during the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix where Tsunoda was penalized for the same thing. Nevertheless, the stewards explained that between 2021 and 2022, the regulations had changed: Article 5 of Appendix L changed in 2022. The stewards also referred to a similar situation last year in Monaco concerning Stroll and concluded that:

« 1. Considering article 2.1 of the F1 sporting regulations.

2. Request an obligation to the race director and the stewards to respect the regulations.

According to the race management’s notes, there are no contradictions to the F1 sporting regulations.

Article 5C of Chapter 4 of Appendix L of the FIA sporting regulations states that a car exiting the pits must not cross the line.

In this case, the car did not “cross” the line because in order to do so, it would have needed to have an entire wheel on the yellow line.

6. According to the pilot, he did not cross the line.

And therefore decide that Ferrari will be invoiced for protest fees.

It follows that Ferrari maintains its positions, just like Red Bull. The classification is therefore officially ratified. A few centimeters have saved Verstappen’s position tonight.