Like every year, even if on different topics, the question policy in Formula One. The philosophies of thought, with as many as 10 participating teams, are many and the solutions to be taken unanimously(or almost) are increasingly difficult.
Budget cap, the problems begin
The topic of these days within the paddock is the budget chap. The ceiling of expenditure of 140 million dollars is giving quite a lot of problems, especially ai great team. The top teams have in fact reported more than once to the FIA the risk of being able to go over this spending cap. The reason? Inflation grown in recent months following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The request of the teams
For such reasons, the top teams have asked an increase in the maximum threshold of the budget cap. According to various data, the average inflation rate in Europe is around al 6,8%. Le top stables of the Circus have in fact asked for an increase in the budget by relating this percentage to the 140 million dollars. Basically, the request of some teams is to increase the budget cap by 10 million dollarsthus arriving at 150 million.
The response of FIA and Liberty Media
Liberty Media e FIA have accepted the proposal of the various stables. The topic has in fact been discussed during the F1 Commission held in Barcelona during of the race weekend. To reach an agreement, however, almost unanimity is needed: in fact, Ben's consent must be obtained eight stables which has not yet arrived. Indeed, according to the latest reports, those who agree on the increase in the budget cap are six out of ten teams. As many as four stables have therefore declined the proposal.
According to the news from the paddock, the teams that don't seem willing to grant this $10 million raise are: Alpine, Williams, Alfa Romeo and Haas.
It's a clash between teams
Throwing though publicly the alarm, should an increase in the spending ceiling not be granted, is the team principal of Red Bull Christian Horner. "Seven of the ten teams would probably have to miss the last four races to meet this year's spending cap. It's not just about the big teams – confessed the English team principal – but there's the whole scrum pack struggling with inflation-derived problems. The FIA has a duty to take care of the problem. I know they are taking it seriously, but it must be remembered that the cost of living is increasing exponentially for everyone, and F1 is no exception. The cost of freight has quadrupled and this is not something we can control".
Szafnauer: "Those who have money can put pressure on the FIA"
If on the one hand there are those like Horner who want an increase in the budget cap, on the other there are those he is not at all convinced including Szafnauer, Alpine team principal. "When transportation costs go up by two or three million, but the development budget is 20 million, you can invest less in development and stay within the parameters. The problem is that this limits development. So it's much easier, if you have the money, to go to the FIA and lobby to increase the budget cap."
Budget cap situation pending
It is now written and clear that the topic will be one of warmer and more delicate over the next few weeks. All that remains is to wait, also to try to understand who you are four teams currently against may change your mind, although for now, there doesn't seem to be any kind of opportunity.
SOURCE: Motorsport.com; STATEMENT SOURCE: FormulaPassion
