by Formula 1 engine manufacturers Honda and Alpine (Renault) have agreed to pay fines for procedural breaches of the FIA’s engine cost cap rules.
Honda will have to pay $600,000 while Alpine will be fined $400,000 after both manufacturers agreed a so-called Accepted Breach Agreement with the FIA.
In its report, the FIA stated that Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) failed to submit accurate reporting documents because its cost calculations included incorrectly excluded or adjusted costs.
Alpine was given a lesser penalty because the company delayed submitting documents and the FIA considered it had “failed to provide relevant information”.
Since both cases involve a minor infringement and the FIA considered that both companies acted in good faith, the association may offer an accepted infringement agreement to resolve the matter without taking the matter further to pursue what both HRC and Alpine accepted earlier this month.
Both companies must also bear any administrative costs incurred by the FIA’s Cost Cap Administration in investigating their violations.
Liam Lawson, RB F1 Team VCARB 01, Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
“The Cost Cap Administration has recognized that both PUMs [power unit manufacturers] “acted cooperatively and in good faith throughout the review process and attempted to provide additional information and evidence upon request in a timely manner,” the FIA wrote.
“There is no allegation or evidence that Alpine or HRC sought or obtained any undue advantage as a result of the breach.”
From 2023, Formula 1 engine manufacturers were forced to work under a cost cap for the first time. All manufacturers stayed under budget, but both Alpine and Honda were charged with procedural violations in September.
All 10 teams have also been in full compliance with F1’s cost cap for the 2023 season.
Alpine owner Renault recently decided to end its long-running F1 powertrain program at its Viry-Chatillon plant in France before 2026 and stop developing its new engines.
Instead, Alpine is expected to adopt Mercedes customer engines for the new era of Formula 1.
