Sources suggest possible irregularities in the 2024 accounts: the Federation is reportedly considering financial and sporting sanctions.
Maybe, just maybe, the surprises aren’t over yet. The end of the Formula 1 season could bring shocks not only on track but also off it, as new shadows appear over the budget cap issue.
According to Sky Sport F1 Italia, at least two teams may not be fully compliant with the spending limit imposed by the FIA for 2024, set at $135 million.
GUIDE – How the Budget Cap Works in Formula 1
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8:58 – The other team, however, is reportedly a top Formula 1 team, and in this case, the violation appears to be much more serious. For this reason, the team in question is contesting the alleged breach. It’s therefore 99% likely that the team involved is one among Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari, or McLaren.
8:55 – Breaking news! One of the two teams found to have breached the rules is Aston Martin. According to Thomas Maher, the Silverstone-based team has admitted to a minor procedural violation of F1’s financial regulations.
The delay and the Red Bull precedent
While these are still unconfirmed reports, the fact that the Federation has not yet issued compliance certificates for all teams suggests that detailed audits are currently underway on certain financial statements.
The cost cap system — introduced to promote greater competitive balance — has become one of the most sensitive topics in modern Formula 1. The Red Bull 2021 case, which led to a $7 million fine and reduced wind tunnel time, remains a key reference point.
Harsher penalties on the way?
If new violations are confirmed, the consequences could be serious — both sportingly, with possible grid or points penalties (potentially harsher than those in 2022), and reputationally, adding further tension to an already heated championship finale.
For now, the FIA remains tight-lipped, but all indications suggest that the coming days could be decisive in determining whether two teams truly exceeded the financial regulations.
As the saying goes: time will tell.
Photo: Formula 1, McLaren F1
