Aston Martin avoid FIA cost cap sanction due to 'extenuating circumstances'

Aston Martin is one of the two F1 teams in violation of the FIA cost cap for the 2024 season, RacingNews365 can confirm.

RacingNews365 can also confirm that the Silverstone-based squad's accounts were submitted before the deadline imposed by the motorsport governing body.

However, due to extenuating circumstances beyond the team's control, they lacked the required signature of the auditor.

It is further understood that the FIA was sympathetic to Aston Martin's situation. Due to the minor irregularity and the fact that there has not been a breach of the cost cap, no penalty will be applied.

This development comes following the FIA releasing a statement as speculation engulfed the F1 paddock at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The cost cap was introduced for the 2021 F1 season and mandates that teams spend no more than $135 million per year. However, when adjusted for inflation, the accepted figure is in the region of $150m-$160m.

The financial restrictions, which are laid out in F1's regulations, apply to the sporting and technical parts of a team, or anything performance-based. Areas that fall outside of that, such as marketing, are not included.

The three highest earners on a team's payroll and its drivers are also excluded from the figure.

This is not Aston Martin's first cost cap indiscretion, having been found guilty of a procedural breach in 2022, which pertained to the campaign before.

It was, however, like this scenario, not deemed to be a serious offence. On that occasion, the team was fined $450,000.