Alpine F1’s Briatore Questions FIA Appeal Process

Alpine F1’s Flavio Briatore has questioned the impartiality of the FIA International Court of Appeal, and I have the reason why in this week’s Business of Motorsport Roundup. You will also find details on the ongoing legal dispute between Lamborghini and Team Iron Lynx plus much more.

Motorsport Industry News

How Madring Built a Partner Ecosystem Before its F1 Spanish Grand Prix Bow

MADRING

Ahead of the Madring’s debut as host of the TAG Heuer Spanish Grand Prix, the collection of commercial partners for both the race and the circuit is an impressive one. Sector details how the new circuit built a partner ecosystem before its F1 Spanish Grand Prix bow. Read their full analysis here.

FIA President Ben Sulayem Says F1 Drivers and Teams Won’t Be Put ‘At Risk’ Over Middle East Events

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has defended the wait for clarity over how this year’s Formula 1 season will end amid uncertainty over the Middle East security situation but tells The Associated Press that drivers and team staff will not be put “at risk.”

“Being from that part of the world, we can’t jump the gun and just say, that’s it, we are canceling and then cancel,” he added. “Are we going to allow our people, our staff, the drivers or the teams to go at risk? No, of course not. We will not. But we’ll have also to listen to the governments and to the local promoter there.”

What WRC’s New Promoter Wants from its Events

Rallying’s top tier is under new ownership with French automotive company Cosmobilis and private credit investor Park Square Capital acquiring WRC Promoter GmbH, in a move that has been described as the “biggest deal in the history of these championships” by the FIA. The World Rally Championship’s new commercial rights holder has outlined its vision for the length of events moving forward. Autosport has the details.

FIA Insurance Task Force Has Yet to Contact Brokers, Podium CEO says

No broker or underwriter has heard from the FIA’s new insurance task force, despite soaring car values pushing premiums higher across the sport. “Everybody who I talk to, deal with, compete with – no-one has had a message from this FIA task force to ask any of the brokers or underwriters in the market how can we fix this problem.”

Ukraine Federation Calls for Russian Sanctions by FIA

Ukraine’s national motorsport authority has called on FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to impose sanctions on its Russian counterpart. The Russian automobile federation has opened offices in occupied parts of Ukraine in violation of the rules of the FIA, motorsport’s governing body, according to the Automobile Federation of Ukraine (FAU).

Quick Takes on the Business of Motorsport This Week

Alpine F1's Briatore Questions FIA Appeal Process

Highlights from the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup

Petronas, Eni Team Up on Renewable Motorsport Fuel

Petronas, Eni Team Up on Renewable Motorsport Fuel

Petronas and Eni have teamed up to develop a renewable motorsport fuel, and I have the details in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup. I also have news of sustainable developments at Silverstone and Nürburgring and more!

Motorsport Law Roundup

Alpine’s Briatore Questions FIA Appeal Process After Successful Appeal by Opponents

Alpine F1's Briatore Questions FIA Appeal Process

Just after last week’s Business of Motorsport Roundup was published, the FIA International Court of Appeal ruled that Pierre Gasly’s Monaco GP penalties, which had been rescinded, do stand, therefore Gasly has lost his Monaco Grand Prix podium finish after all. You can read the full decision here.

To say that the decision set off a firestorm in the Monza paddock last weekend is an understatement. Upon hearing of the decision, Alpine Formula 1 executive Flavio Briatore questioned the neutrality of one of the judges reinstating Pierre Gasly’s Monaco penalties.

“I think it’s very unfair. We accept the decision, but what is very strange was there were four judges on the panel and one of the judges acted like a prosecutor. It was four judges, and this one was really a prosecutor against the FIA, against us, against FOM. Afterwards we found out what is the reason why this guy was so nasty. It’s very linked with McLaren. We have a nice picture of this guy [giving a] speech for McLaren in 2018 at MSO Beverly Hills. He has a foundation, it’s called One Drop Foundation and McLaren gave two or three McLaren cars, and this was quite unfair.”

Needless to say, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was livid. And the ICA shot back almost immediately. “The FIA courts wish to make clear that the appointment and participation of the judges in that case, like for any other case, were conducted in accordance with the applicable FIA judicial procedures and usual practice, which are inspired by the highest standards like the IBA guidelines on conflicts of interest in international arbitration.”

Now, Alpine is hinting at potential legal action, although it is not clear how they would proceed. “As things stand, however, Alpine has no straight recourse to the French civil courts or the CAS owing to the express jurisdictional bar imposed by the FIA statutes on the appealability of the ICA’s decisions.”

Here are links to the background and analysis of the case.

Lamborghini Case Reveals Trade Secrets Hazards in Motorsport

Team Iron Lynx’s failed relationship with ex-automotive partner Automobili Lamborghini SpA during the 2024 Lone Star Le Mans endurance race is still playing out two years later, providing a potential lesson to companies working in the competitive world of car racing on protecting their trade secrets according to Bloomberg Law.

“Any attorney’s responsibility really is to make sure that those terms are clear in terms of who owns IP and then what the parties can do with the resulting IP, because that initial issue, if it’s not sorted out, can cause disputes downstream.”

Audi Commits to Appeal Against Tsunoda’s Italian GP Result

The Audi Formula 1 team will follow through with its intention to appeal Yuki Tsunoda’s lack of penalty for causing an extra formation lap in the Italian Grand Prix, Autosport understands.

“By notifying the FIA of its intention to appeal, Audi gave itself a 96-hour window to further study the rulebook, build a case and decide whether or not to follow through with the appeal. That time window closes on Thursday night and sources have now confirmed to Autosport that Audi will follow through with the appeal procedure.”

Motorsport Sponsorship, Partnership News and Analysis

Alpine F1's Briatore Questions FIA Appeal Process
Alpine F1's Briatore Questions FIA Appeal Process

Team & Manufacturer News

Alpine F1's Briatore Questions FIA Appeal Process

Motorsport Movers & Shakers

A Chosen Passion: Tony Quinn On Business, Motorsport, & Legacy

Alpine F1's Briatore Questions FIA Appeal Process

Dailysportscar has published an insightful feature on Tony Quinn, a pioneer in Australian and New Zealand motorsport. “Tony Quinn is keen to downplay his contributions to Motorsport. As a businessman first and foremost, Motorsport has been a “hobby” for the 68-year old Scotsman. And it’s fair to say that Motorsports in Australia and New Zealand would not have been the same without Quinn’s involvement.”

You can read the full profile here.

Mark Boudreau
Author: Mark Boudreau

Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.

Newsletter

Our mission is to serve as the ultimate hub for race drivers by connecting them with race teams and essential motorsport professionals who can propel their careers forward.

Main Menu

Legal

Contact Us

Call: 514.742.8455

Email: mark@motorsportprospects.com

© 2026 Motorsport Prospects.