Ferrari F1 race director Laurent Mekies has said there is growing speculation that some F1 teams have spent more than they were allowed to spend in the 2022 season, with F1 ruling that the budget cap will be properly applied. says it faces an important challenge to ascertain
The FIA is due to issue a certificate of compliance to the F1 teams next Wednesday after reviewing the financial data submitted. Penalties for non-compliance range from fines to loss of points to exclusion from the championship.
“This is a very important test that will determine the future of the budget cap…if it doesn’t pass that test, it’s a big impact and it’s probably game over,” said Laurent Mekies when asked about the enforcement of financial rules.
“I think the very important thing now is that the FIA fully enforces the rules as they are currently written. Penalties after that are another matter.”
F1 introduced a budget cap last year, shrinking from $145 million to $140 million this year and $135 million next season, to curb cost runaways by the biggest teams and keep the stadium open. leveled.
F1’s cost cap story has sparked another war of words between Christian Horner and Toto Wolff.
Mercedes F1 team boss Toto Wolff said on Friday that governance appeared sound and those who did not comply would be sent to a cost cap adjudication panel with an independent judge to decide on penalties. rice field.
Toto Wolff said the $1 million overspend translates into a significant advantage on the course.
“What this means is that if this is a light penalty, we will push more than 5% in the future,” said Wolff.
“We have a $140 million pool. If you’re spending 5% or 10% more than anyone else, that’s a fraction of a second. So if you were pushing the limits, it’s a whole different league. We are fighting with
Williams F1 team principal Jost Capito agrees with Laurent Mekies. “This is a test, a very important test, because if you don’t do it now, you’ll keep trying to avoid it. You need to be strict about what’s written.”
