Ferrari and McLaren have learned whether they’re ‘safe’ from F1 cost cap penalty

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The FIA still haven’t confirmed whether every F1 team was in compliance with the 2024 Formula 1 cost cap. It’s widely reported that Aston Martin have committed a procedural breach.

In effect, Aston Martin have spent a permitted amount, but missed one of the filing deadlines. Any penalty is likely to be minor – the same team were fined just under £400k in 2021.

However, Planet F1, fed by ‘multiple sources’ in the paddock, report that one team has outright breached the cap. The unnamed outfit is believed to be challenging the FIA on the matter.

The teams had to file their 2024 financials by the end of March this year. Previously, the FIA have shared the outcome by mid-October at the earliest.

Ferrari and McLaren are in the clear with F1 cost cap

According to a report from Corriere della Serra, F1 is ‘in turmoil’ as rumours about a ‘top-tier team’ exceeding the cap ‘swirl’ in the paddock.

Inevitably, this has triggered a wave of speculation on social media. But the Italian publication states that world champions McLaren are ‘safe’ and ‘not under scrutiny’, along with Ferrari.

The FIA haven’t approved the ‘certificates of conformity’ yet, but neither of these teams are expecting to face any difficulties.

It should be stressed that the rumours about a potential overspend are unconfirmed. Last year, Alpine were fined for a procedural error, while Red Bull engine supplier Honda received a similar punishment.

Red Bull also thought to be in compliance with budgetary rules

In 2022, it emerged that Red Bull had exceeded the cap by 1.6% a season earlier as they battled Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes for the title.

This was considered a ‘minor’ infraction because it fell below the 5% threshold. However, Red Bull were still fined £6m.

• READ MORE: Zak Brown says Red Bull ‘insulted’ F1 rivals with what they said about cost cap breach

They also saw their permitted wind tunnel testing time cut by 10%. That could be a particularly impactful penalty ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations changes, the most extensive overhaul for a generation.

Based on one social media comment from journalist Mark Hughes, Red Bull fans don’t need to worry this time. When one suggested that they might be in trouble, he replied ‘stand down’.