**FIA’s 2024 F1 Cost Cap Certification Delayed Amid Speculation of Breaches by Multiple Teams**

The FIA’s cost cap certification process for the 2024 Formula 1 season has been delayed well beyond its usual timeline, sparking speculation about potential financial regulation breaches by one or more teams.

Typically, certificates confirming teams’ compliance with the sport’s financial rules are issued by early September. However, with no announcement made by mid-October, fans and insiders are questioning whether new investigations are underway.

**Background on the F1 Cost Cap**

Introduced in 2021, the cost cap was designed to promote greater parity between teams by limiting their seasonal spending. Initially set at $140 million, it was later reduced to $135 million. For 2026, the FIA has approved an increase to $215 million, accounting for inflation, expanded operations, and the entry of Audi as Formula 1’s 11th team.

Under these financial regulations, all F1 teams must submit their spending documentation for review by March 31 every year. The FIA’s Cost Cap Administration then examines these accounts to determine whether teams stayed within the permitted spending limits. Teams that meet compliance criteria receive official certificates.

**Unusual Delay Raises Eyebrows**

This year’s delay in issuing compliance certificates has drawn considerable attention because previous delays have been linked to breaches. An FIA spokesperson, speaking to *The Race*, confirmed the situation but provided few details:

> “The FIA’s Cost Cap Administration is in the process of finalising the review of the 2024 submissions from teams and power unit manufacturers, the result of which is expected to be communicated shortly. The FIA does not comment on individual submissions made by specific teams and/or power unit manufacturers and, as per established practice, the results of the review will be made public once assessment of all submissions are completed and finalized.”

While the FIA insists the process is ongoing, the prolonged silence has created unease across the paddock.

**Past Breaches and Consequences**

The last significant delay occurred in 2022 when both Red Bull and Aston Martin were found to have breached cost cap rules. The consequences for overspending vary depending on the severity of the breach:

– **Minor breaches (less than 5% over limit)** may result in financial penalties or reductions in wind tunnel testing time.
– **Material breaches (over 5%)** carry harsher penalties, including championship point deductions, suspensions, or even exclusion from the standings.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has previously expressed frustration over the resource-intensive and controversial nature of cost cap enforcement. He remarked that the system has created more “headaches” than anticipated and voiced a desire to eventually remove it altogether.

**Reports Suggest Possible Breaches by Two Teams**

Recent reports from Sky Italia suggest that the certification delay may stem from potential breaches by two unnamed teams. The network stated that “none of the ten on the grid have yet received compliance certificates,” adding that the “fake situations under FIA scrutiny” might be causing the holdup.

Independent outlet *The Perceval Post* echoed this claim, indicating that more than one team’s finances are currently under detailed examination.

While no official confirmation has been made, this extended review period mirrors the 2022 scenario when the FIA took additional weeks to complete its investigation into Red Bull and Aston Martin’s accounts.

**Recap of the 2022 Breach Case**

In 2022, the FIA announced its findings during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, confirming Red Bull’s breach of the 2021 cost cap. Following an Accepted Breach Agreement (ABA), Red Bull was fined $7 million and had 10% of its aerodynamic testing time docked for the 2023 season.

Although the breach was classified as “minor” (under 5%), it set a strong precedent for how rigorously the FIA would enforce financial regulations.

Aston Martin was fined $450,000 for a procedural error involving miscalculated expenses. Despite the penalties, Red Bull went on to win both the 2023 F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, amid criticism regarding the FIA’s delayed communication and perceived leniency.

**Looking Ahead**

With the Mexican Grand Prix again approaching on the 2025 calendar, many in the paddock are drawing parallels to the 2022 situation.

Meanwhile, the FIA has introduced a higher cost cap for 2026, citing inflation and expanded team operations. Some fans worry that this increase could once again benefit the sport’s wealthiest teams—particularly Red Bull, whose spending history remains closely monitored.

As the FIA prepares to release its final verdict on the 2024 cost cap submissions, the F1 community awaits clarity on whether any teams have breached financial regulations this season, and what consequences might follow.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-f1-cost-cap-all-know-delay-information