F1: FIA Finds Alpine and Honda in Procedural Breach of 2023 Cost Cap

The FIA found that Honda and Alpine committed procedural violations of Formula 1’s power unit cost cap, even though neither exceeded the spending limit. All 10 F1 teams followed last year’s financial rules, but the FIA flagged Honda and Alpine for procedural errors. The exact nature of these breaches hasn’t been revealed, though the FIA confirmed both stayed within the spending limits. This raises questions about the specific errors. Depending on the seriousness of the violations, Honda and Alpine could face penalties, including fines or sporting sanctions. The investigation’s outcome could impact the future of F1’s power unit competition.

In the statement, FIA said: '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. Both Alpine Racing SAS and HRC have acted at all times in good faith and are currently cooperating with the CCA to finalise the matter. 

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'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).'

F1: The Cost Cap

Formula 1's financial rules require teams to submit their accounts to the FIA to ensure they stay within the spending cap. The base limit for 2023 was USD 135 million, increased to USD 138.6 million due to two additional races.

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Teams that breach the cost cap usually face financial penalties, though mitigating or aggravating factors can lead to leniency or harsher sporting sanctions.

In 2022, the first year of the cost cap, Aston Martin and Williams were penalised for procedural errors in their 2021 submissions. Both teams settled with the FIA through an Accepted Breach Agreement.