In a recent development, both Honda and Alpine have been flagged for violations of the Formula 1 cost-cap regulations by the FIA. These breaches, though classified as procedural rather than financial overspending, have led to proposed sanctions as part of the ongoing compliance efforts in the sport. Here’s what you need to know about the situation.
Overview:
- Regulatory Breach: Honda and Alpine have been found in violation of Formula 1’s cost-cap rules, according to a recent FIA announcement.
- Financial Impact: Both teams are reported to have adhered to the financial spending limits despite the breaches.
- Proposed Resolution: The FIA is recommending an ‘accepted breach agreement’ (ABA) to address these issues.
Details of the Breach:
The FIA has identified procedural breaches by both Honda, which collaborates with Red Bull Racing, and Alpine, which supplies engines to its own team. These breaches are related to inaccuracies or issues in financial documentation rather than any actual overspending.
The FIA’s statement confirmed that the cost limits have not been exceeded by either manufacturer. Both Honda and Alpine have been described as cooperating fully with the FIA’s investigation and are working towards resolving these procedural issues.
Statements from the Teams:
- Honda: A Honda representative commented, “We look forward to discussing the specifics once the ABA is publicly disclosed. The breach was purely procedural and unintentional. Importantly, we have not exceeded the cost cap despite this error.”
- Alpine: An Alpine spokesperson explained, “The issue pertains to Alpine Racing SAS (Viry-Chatillon) and is related to administrative procedures, not financial overspending. We accept the review findings and are committed to working with the FIA to ensure future compliance.”
Context and Background:
The 2023 season marks the second year of the cost cap’s application to engine manufacturers. The previous year saw Red Bull fined $7 million and faced restrictions on aerodynamic testing for breaching the cap. Aston Martin also encountered a procedural breach in 2022, leading to a fine of $450,000.
Next Steps:
The FIA’s proposed ABA would require both Honda and Alpine to acknowledge their procedural breaches and agree to any penalties imposed. In the meantime, all ten F1 teams have been confirmed to comply with the cost cap regulations for chassis manufacturing.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation progresses and the FIA works with Honda and Alpine to finalize the resolution.
