Rumors about the F1 cost cap loom over the Mexico City Grand Prix

F1 Season Drama Unfolds

As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches its end, the tension in the paddock is palpable. The race for a potential fifth title has become a central focus, especially with Max Verstappen making significant strides up the Drivers’ Championship standings, closing in on rivals like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

However, as teams prepare for the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix, another layer of drama has started to surface.

Reports emerged on Thursday indicating that Aston Martin has breached cost cap regulations, specifically a “procedural” violation. This was highlighted by sources mentioning that Aston Martin’s submission to the FIA was missing the essential signature from an external auditor and was submitted after the deadline.

While the team has supposedly kept the FIA informed about the situation, it turns out their submission did stay within the cost cap limits. Still, the late submission meant a breach of procedure, as noted by various reports.

Aston Martin has acknowledged this lapse and entered into a breach agreement. It seems the only consequence they will face is a financial penalty.

But the unfolding situation doesn’t stop there.

Additional reports suggest that another team is dealing with “serious” breaches of the cost cap rules. Whispers about this began during the US Grand Prix weekend, and it’s been suggested that the involved team is currently disputing these claims.

Adding to the uncertainty, there’s been a delay in the FIA’s certification of compliance. Traditionally, this announcement is made in September, but due to Red Bull’s own cost cap violations, the timeline has shifted to October.

It’s already mid-October now.

The FIA has stated, “The Cost Cap Authority is finalizing its review of the 2024 submissions from teams and manufacturers. Results will be announced soon.” However, they also clarified that they do not comment on individual team submissions, and the results will only be published after all evaluations are completed.

When Red Bull was found to have exceeded the cost cap for the 2021 season by 1.6%—which amounted to about $2.3 million—they faced a hefty fine of $7 million, along with a 10% reduction in their wind tunnel testing time.

Looking ahead, the cost cap for the 2024 season was initially set at $135 million but has since been adjusted due to inflation and the extended season, raising it to $165 million. Regulations stipulate limits on what teams can spend on car parts (excluding power units) and encompass most team personnel and equipment expenses.