Aston Martin in procedural breach as F1 teams await cost cap outcomes

RACER understands that Aston Martin has entered into an Accepted Breach Agreement (ABA) with the FIA for a procedural breach of its 2024 submission, while teams await their final certificates.

The last two cost cap assessments were finalized in September of 2023 and 2024, leading to speculation that there could be anomalies in the latest submissions as the FIA has yet to issue certificates this year. It is understood one aspect of the delay could relate to Aston Martin, the team having been forced to submit its accounts without the signature for its auditor due to extenuating circumstances, with the final signed accounts received after the deadline.

RACER understands the FIA was aware of the situation and supportive of Aston Martin’s position, but that it still officially constitutes a procedural breach and will be acknowledged in the ABA.

Suggestions that another team could have breached the cost cap last year have so far not been substantiated, with the FIA also refusing to comment on the individual submissions.

“The FIA’s Cost Cap Administration is in the process of finalizing the review of the 2024 submissions from teams and power unit manufacturers, the result of which is expected to be communicated shortly,” an FIA spokesperson told RACER. “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 finalized.”

No final outcomes are expected to be reached during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, with sources indicating the process is targeting completion by the next round in Brazil.