The FIA has officially confirmed two breaches in their 2023 Formula 1 cost cap regulations, affecting Alpine Racing SAS and Honda Racing Corporation (HRC). While all 10 F1 teams were found compliant with the cost cap, procedural violations were detected for the power unit manufacturers. This news has sparked reactions across the paddock, including responses from top drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen, whose team Red Bull faced its own cost cap breach in 2021, acknowledged the challenges that come with financial regulations. He stated, “It’s always tough to navigate these regulations, especially with the new power unit rules coming in. But as long as it’s handled transparently and fairly, we all have to accept the outcomes.”

Hamilton, a vocal advocate for transparency in F1, expressed his concerns about fairness in the sport. He remarked, “These rules are in place to level the playing field, and it’s crucial that all teams and manufacturers are held accountable. The FIA needs to ensure there’s consistency in how breaches are addressed.”

The FIA’s report explained that neither Alpine nor Honda exceeded the cost cap level, but procedural issues arose due to the complexities of the new financial regulations for power unit manufacturers. Both manufacturers acted in good faith and are cooperating with the FIA to settle the matter through an “Accepted Breach Agreement,” which will likely result in financial penalties.

Although the penalties are not expected to affect race outcomes or standings, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges of managing cost regulations in Formula 1, particularly as the sport transitions to new power unit technologies set to debut in 2026.