FIA: Honda and Alpine in breach of F1 Cost Cap rules

FIA investigation reveals compliance issues for two manufacturers, though spending limits were not exceeded.

The FIA has announced that Honda and Alpine have been found in procedural breach of the sport's power unit cost cap.

This revelation comes as part of the governing body's comprehensive evaluation of all teams and engine manufacturers' financial submissions for the period ending December 31, 2023.

Compliance and breaches

The FIA's Cost Cap Administration (CCA) confirmed on Wednesday that while all ten Formula 1 teams had fully complied with the spending restrictions over the course of last year, the same could not be said for all power unit manufacturers.

Despite adhering to the spending limits, both Alpine Racing SAS and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) were identified as having committed procedural breaches.

"The CCA confirms that although Alpine Racing SAS and HRC have both been found to be in procedural breach, neither have exceeded the Cost Cap level,"

the FIA statement read, emphasizing that the issue lies with procedure rather than overspending.

Nature of the breaches

While the exact nature of the procedural breaches has not been disclosed, the financial regulations outline several potential infractions.

These can include late submission of required documents, failure to cooperate with information requests, or the submission of inaccurate documentation.

The FIA has acknowledged the challenges associated with implementing these new financial regulations for power unit manufacturers, stating,

"Considering the nature of the breach, the complexities of the new Financial Regulations for PU Manufacturers and the challenges associated with their first year of implementation, it is the CCA's intention to propose to these two PU Manufacturers to settle their respective breaches by means of an Accepted Breach Agreement (ABA)."

Cost cap specifics

This marks the first year that power unit manufacturers applying to compete in 2026 have been subject to a cost cap.

For the 2023 season, the spending limit was set at $140.4 million for what was initially planned as a 24-race calendar, accounting for the last-minute cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Potential consequences

The reference to an Accepted Breach Agreement suggests that Honda and Alpine may be offered the opportunity to accept sanctions proposed by the FIA.

Penalties for procedural breaches are typically financial, unless mitigating or aggravating factors are identified.

This situation echoes the 2022 season, when Aston Martin and Williams were found to have committed procedural breaches in their 2021 submissions.

Both teams ultimately accepted ABAs and were fined.