In the latest shake-up under Formula 1’s cost cap regulations, Honda and Alpine have each been hit with hefty fines for procedural breaches. The FIA announced penalties of $600,000 for Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and $400,000 for Alpine Racing SAS after both teams failed to meet reporting standards, although neither exceeded the $140.4 million spending limit.
The penalties were settled through an Accepted Breach Agreement (ABA) with the FIA. According to the organization, Honda’s breach stemmed from incomplete documentation in their financial submissions, while Alpine reportedly omitted key information, with some procedural requirements only partially completed. Following an internal review, both teams submitted updated reports to address the discrepancies.
This comes as Honda, currently partnered with Red Bull, prepares to switch its allegiance to Aston Martin in 2026. Meanwhile, Alpine, which has relied on Renault engines, faces significant changes as Renault announced it will exit F1 engine production after 2025. The Alpine team is expected to run Mercedes power units beginning in 2026, though an official confirmation has yet to be made.
As F1 teams continue to adjust to the financial oversight brought on by the cost cap, the recent fines underscore the importance of accurate reporting—a challenge that will likely grow as manufacturers navigate shifting alliances and technological transitions in the sport.
