Aston Martin Cleared Over Minor Cost-Cap Delay as FIA Confirms All Teams Compliant for 2024

The FIA confirms all F1 teams stayed within the 2024 cost cap, with Aston Martin cleared of a minor procedural delay caused by external audit issues. No penalties or overspending were found.

Ben

By Ben Bush
Published on October 29, 2025

2025 F1 Pre-Season Testing – Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
2025 F1 Pre-Season Testing – Fernando Alonso (car no. 14) – Aston Martin – Day 1 in Bahrain

On 28 October 2025, the FIA confirmed that every Formula 1 team remained within the sport’s financial regulations for the 2024 season, with Aston Martin the only outfit noted for a minor procedural slip rather than a spending breach.

The finding came after the FIA’s Cost Cap Administration (CCA) completed its seven-month audit of all ten teams and five power unit manufacturers. The governing body praised the “spirit of good faith and cooperation” shown across the paddock, describing the process as complex but ultimately conclusive: nobody overspent.

Aston Martin’s issue, which had already been under review, related to a late submission of financial documents, caused, according to the FIA, by unforeseen external factors that delayed the team’s independent auditors. Draft paperwork was filed before the 31 March deadline, but the auditors’ final sign-off didn’t arrive until 15 April.

“The FIA confirms that all F1 teams and all PU manufacturers gave their full support in providing the required information. The CCA notes that all F1 teams and all PU manufacturers acted at all times in a spirit of good faith and co-operation throughout the process.”

Given the nature of the delay, the FIA accepted Aston Martin’s explanation and issued no penalty. The matter was settled via an Accepted Breach Agreement (ABA), with Aston Martin covering the administrative costs linked to the process.

“The cost cap administration recognised that exceptional and unpredictable circumstances led to the procedural breach and that AMR have acted cooperatively and in good faith throughout the review process. No financial penalties were levied to AMR due to these exceptional and unpredictable circumstances and the cost cap administration confirm that there is no accusation or evidence that AMR has sought or obtained any undue advantage as a result of the breach.”

The confirmation marked a clean financial bill of health for all ten teams, a stark contrast to the controversies seen in earlier cost-cap seasons. It’s a sign that the once-contentious system is finally settling into place, with teams now more comfortable navigating the fine print of Formula 1’s financial rulebook.

For fans, that means more focus on racing and less on spreadsheets, a win all around as the sport heads into the 2025 season with its budgets balanced and its credibility intact.

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About The Author

Staff Writer

Ben Bush
Ben

Ben is a staff writer specialising in F1 from the 1990s to the modern era. Ben has been following Formula 1 since 1986 and is an avid researcher who loves understanding the technology that makes it one of the most exciting motorsport on the planet. He listens to podcasts about F1 on a daily basis, and enjoys reading books from the inspirational Adrian Newey to former F1 drivers.

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