F1
McLaren calls for review of budget cap
© Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
All means are good to modify the budget ceiling. After the increase in Sprint Races and inflation, it is now the ecological reason that is put on the table to request a change in the “budget cap”. Zak Brown, Managing Director of McLaren, calls the FIA and Formula 1 to review financial rules in the future to allow teams to invest more easily in sustainable development and ecological issues.
“We strongly believe in cost capping and we don't want to see anything that undermines its integrity,” the US boss said in McLaren's annual sustainability report. But current regulations have created unintended obstacles when it comes to investing in sustainability. »
In 2023, the budget cap is set at $135 million, plus an additional $3,6 million to compensate for the increase in Grands Prix on the calendar. Still according to Zak Brown, this sum is not enough and the teams must choose between spending on the performance of the car and on sustainable development initiatives.
“To unlock the potential of our sport and drive the development of more sustainable technologies that can drive positive change globally, we need a real change of direction, he explained. What we would like to see is an adaptation of financial regulations that makes it possible to clearly invest in sustainable development. »
McLaren believes it is “urgent to act now”
McLaren, which is currently in the process of restructuring its infrastructure in Woking (with a new simulator and new wind tunnel in particular), would therefore like an increase in the “budget cap” to be more comfortable in the development of its factory.
The Concorde Agreements, valid until 2025, are being negotiated for 2026 and beyond. According to McLaren management, today is the day that discussions should take place regarding a change in the budget cap. “Although it is 2026, we have a fairly short time frame to work together to find ways to integrate sustainability into regulations, said Kim Wilson, head of environmental issues at McLaren. So we only have until next summer, I think. This is why it is urgent to act now. »
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Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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19/05/2023 at 12:43 a.m.
Zak BROWN plays the pipe to get a cap increase!! F1 should immediately use green fuel and stop going back and forth between Europe and the North American continent in order to be a little more virtuous...