Aston Martin has committed a minor procedural breach of Formula 1’s cost cap regulations. The FIA confirmed it will soon release the official results of its 2024 review. Although the team did not exceed the spending limit, it reportedly failed to submit audited accounts by the March 31 deadline due to extenuating circumstances.
The team’s late filing required an Accepted Breach Agreement (ABA) with the FIA. Through this, Aston Martin acknowledged its administrative error but avoided any sporting penalties. Meanwhile, the FIA emphasized that its cost cap review process remains ongoing and results will be communicated once assessments of all team submissions are complete.
An FIA spokesperson stated:
“The FIA’s cost cap administration is in the process of finalising the review of the 2024 submissions from teams and power-unit manufacturers, the result of which is expected to be communicated shortly.
The FIA does not comment on individual submissions made by specific teams and/or power-unit manufacturers and, as per established practice, the results of the review will be made public once assessment of all submissions are completed and finalised.”
Previous Cost Cap Breaches and Penalties
Over the past few years, cost cap compliance has become a major focus in Formula 1. In 2021, Aston Martin was fined £388,000 for inaccurately reporting costs. Williams received a £20,000 penalty the same season for missing the financial submission deadline. Similarly, in 2023, both Honda and Alpine were fined £462,000 and £308,000 respectively for procedural breaches in their engine division accounts.
Notably, Red Bull’s 2021 case remains the most high-profile cost cap controversy. The team breached the cap by £1.86 million and faced a £6 million fine along with a 10% reduction in wind tunnel testing time.
What Comes Next for Teams
This season’s budget cap findings are expected to be published in the autumn of next year. The FIA aims to maintain transparency and consistency in enforcement, ensuring all teams adhere to financial sustainability principles.
The Mexico City Grand Prix weekend continues as teams turn their focus back to the track. With growing scrutiny around finances, Formula 1’s cost cap system continues to evolve encouraging fairness while balancing performance and innovation across the grid.
