FIA Enforces Cost Cap Fines for Alpine and Honda Ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix

The FIA has issued fines to power unit suppliers Alpine Racing SAS and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) for breaching Formula 1’s cost cap regulations, intensifying the regulatory spotlight as the F1 circus heads to Brazil. Following a detailed review under the FIA’s Power Unit Financial Regulations, it was found that both companies failed to fully comply with reporting procedures, resulting in combined fines exceeding $1 million.

Alpine incurred a $400,000 fine for “omitting relevant information” and delays in document submission, while Honda was fined $600,000 after inaccuracies were discovered in their cost adjustments and exclusions. Unlike recent penalties involving on-track incidents, the FIA’s financial verdict is expected to draw less controversy given the procedural nature of the breaches.

The 2023 season marks the first complete review under the FIA’s new regulations introduced to promote financial fairness among teams, a regulation first implemented in 2021. Red Bull faced its own cost cap penalty for a minor overspend in that inaugural year, which led to a $7 million fine and a reduction in aerodynamic testing for the following season.

With the cost cap regulations now firmly established, the FIA is expected to continue close monitoring of all financial documentation, ensuring that F1 teams and suppliers adhere strictly to financial boundaries. As Alpine and Honda move forward, the focus remains on the intense competition unfolding at the Brazilian GP, where on-track battles continue to captivate fans and add layers to the ongoing championship saga.