# FIA closes F1 cost cap loophole

> FIA mandates strict staff separation to prevent F1 teams from hiding costs in non-racing activities.
- Title: FIA closes F1 cost cap loophole · Motorsport | Shortify
- Summary: FIA mandates strict staff separation to prevent F1 teams from hiding costs in non-racing activities. FIA requires F1 teams to fully separate staff from…
- Keywords: fia, cost cap, staff separation, formula 1, 2027 regulations, budget loophole, sports, cars, closes, cost, cap, loophole
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/fia-enforces-new-rule-to-close-f1-cost-cap-loophole/10866642
- Author: Franco Nugnes
- Published: 2026-10-21T08:31:18+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fia, f1, cost cap, staff separation, formula 1, 2027 regulations, budget loophole, sports, cars
## FIA approves new rule
The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council has approved new regulations to prevent teams’ non-F1 staff from working on Formula 1 projects.
## Why the rule exists
The federation likely intervened because some teams had managed to take advantage of staff and facilities officially allocated to other activities to bypass the budget cap.
## Key changes to operations
Teams must now clearly separate F1 and non-F1 staff, with non-F1 staff barred from entering F1 factories and F1 staff barred from visiting other divisions.
## Staff transfer restrictions
Employees switching between F1 and non-F1 programs must undergo a three-month gardening period before rejoining the team.
## Expected consequences
The new rule will increase staff numbers and costs as teams turn to external candidates and forgo synergies with non-racing programs.
## Key takeaway

FIA requires F1 teams to fully separate staff from non-F1 operations starting 2027 to close budget loopholes.