FIA fines Honda and Alpine for F1 engine cost cap violations

Formula 1 engine suppliers Honda and Alpine have been hit with financial penalties by the FIA for procedural breaches related to the sport’s cost cap regulations.

The two companies reached an Accepted Breach Agreement (ABA) with the governing body, agreeing to fines of $600,000 for Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and $400,000 for Alpine.

According to the FIA’s findings, HRC's breach involved inaccurate documentation in their cost reporting, which incorrectly excluded or adjusted costs.

As for Alpine, the French manufacturer faced a smaller fine as their transgression stemmed from delays in submitting required documents and omitting relevant information.

Despite the financial penalties, the FIA emphasized that both companies acted in good faith and did not gain any undue advantage from the breaches.

"The Cost Cap Administration recognised that both PUMs [power unit manufacturers] have acted cooperatively and in good faith throughout the review process and have sought to provide additional information and evidence when requested in a timely manner," the FIA wrote.

"There is no accusation or evidence that either Alpine or HRC has sought or obtained any undue advantage as a result of the breach."

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Overall, the procedural issues were deemed minor by the governing body, and with no accusations of intentional misconduct, the FIA opted for a resolution via the ABA.

Under this agreement, both Honda and Alpine will also bear the administrative costs incurred during the FIA's investigation.

This marks the first time that Formula 1’s power unit suppliers have been subjected to a cost cap, which was introduced in 2023. Although both Alpine and Honda committed procedural errors, all engine manufacturers remained within the financial limits.

The penalties come amid broader changes at Alpine, as the Renault-owned team recently announced the closure of its F1 engine development unit at the Viry-Chatillon facility in France ahead of the 2026 engine regulation changes.

Alpine is expected to source Mercedes customer engines for the new era of F1.

This round of penalties serves as a reminder of the FIA's ongoing efforts to enforce financial fairness across all areas of the sport.

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