Formula 1 engine manufacturers Honda and Alpine have both breached the sport’s cost-cap regulations, according to the FIA.
Honda provides engines for world champions Red Bull while Alpine is owned by giants Renault.
But the governing body have released a bombshell statement outlining breaches committed during the 2023 season by both parties.
Neither have exceeded the spending limit but are thought to have breached some financial rules in other areas.
The FIA say both teams were acting in good faith and are in talks to finalise the matter.
It is believed that both Honda and Alpine are expected to enter into an ‘accepted breach agreement’ with the FIA, which will involve some less serious sanctions than if they fought the matter.
🚨 | The FIA has announced that all 10 F1 teams adhered to the cost cap regulations for the 2023 season
Among the power unit manufacturers, Alpine and Honda were deemed to have made procedural breaches, though they did not go over the cost cap.
These breaches will be resolved… PIC.TWITTER.COM/HAKWSQCKK2
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
A statement from Honda said: “We would like to discuss the details of the matter after the ABA is disclosed by the FIA.
“In any case, it was a simple procedural mistake and not at all intentional. Furthermore, even including this procedural error, we have not exceeded the cost cap.”
An Alpine spokesperson added: “The breach in question is directly in relation to Alpine Racing SAS (Viry-Chatillon) and relates to an administrative issue, and is in no way associated to financial overspending.
“We acknowledge and accept the findings of the review process and remain in regular dialogue with the FIA to ensure future compliance.”
Two years ago Red Bull were part of another cost-cap drama where they had overspent by nearly £2million on improving their car.
The breaches saw the team fined and given a 10% reduction in their research time for future race cars.
Aston Martin were also found guilty in 2022 but were slapped with a small fine.
