FIA Clears F1 Teams: Only Aston Martin Had Minor Procedural Breach

The FIA has concluded its 2024 budget cap audit, giving most teams a clean bill of health. Only Aston Martin committed a minor procedural infraction but remained within the cost cap limit.

Why it matters:

The relief across the paddock is palpable. The FIA's audit of Formula 1 finances for 2024 has concluded with a largely favorable outcome, a significant improvement from previous seasons. This outcome reduces the risk of major controversies, which could overshadow the sporting aspect of the championship.

The details:

• Aston Martin's infraction was identified as a procedural breach, meaning they did not exceed the actual cost cap limit.
• The FIA stated the breach was "very minor in nature and arose from unforeseeable circumstances outside the team's control."
• No penalty for Aston Martin: The British team, operating as AMR GP Ltd in the investigation, had already acknowledged the error in September and signed an Accepted Breach Agreement.
• The FIA's Cost Cap Administration opted against imposing a penalty, citing "the exceptional and unforeseeable circumstances" and the team's cooperative and good-faith conduct.
• Crucially, there was no indication that Aston Martin gained any sporting advantage from the formal breach.

The big picture:

• Rumors of another team violating financial regulations proved unfounded. The FIA confirmed that nine out of ten teams complied fully with the rules.
• This marks a considerably more relaxed outcome compared to 2022, when Red Bull faced significant penalties for exceeding the budget cap.
• Engine manufacturers also compliant: All five power unit suppliers for 2026—Red Bull Powertrains, Mercedes, Ferrari, Alpine, and Audi—also adhered to their respective cost caps.
• The audit of the 2024 submissions took approximately seven months, with all teams reportedly offering "full cooperation."

What's next:

The minor procedural breach by Aston Martin is expected to close the chapter on the 2024 Cost Cap, at least until the next annual financial review. This smooth resolution allows the focus to remain on the competitive racing on track rather than off-track financial disputes, setting a more stable precedent for future financial regulations in F1.