“Sprint races have to pay higher compensation”– Mercedes & Red Bull ask $5million addition in budget cap with additional sprint races; Ferrari ready to settle for less

F1’s big three teams including Ferrari are demanding an increase in the budget cap with the view that the increased sprint races.

The budget caps were proposed to limit the spending of the big teams. The excessive spending by top teams has historically given a significant advantage in the championship fight.

Now, the caps on these spendings are intended to increase the gulf between the constructors’ resources. Hence, increasing the competition within the grid.

However, the bigger teams aren’t pleased with the decision, and now upon learning the increase in sprint races this year, they are more hostile against the rule.

But, they are aware that the budget caps can’t be removed. According to the Italian Newspaper Corriere.it, claims that Red Bull and Mercedes are asking for an increase in the budget caps by $5million. This demand is made keeping repairing costs in mind from the new format.

Meanwhile, the source mentions that Ferrari is also demanding an increase in the budget. However, they’re ready to settle for less amount compared to their other two rivals.

Also read: Mattia Binotto and John Elkann are at cross-roads over the potential appointment of Jean Todt

McLaren boss furious on Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes

Meanwhile, McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown is furious over the top three sides of F1. He states that these sites are trying to manipulate this levelling rule for their own benefit.

Perhaps my biggest issue with F1’s owners is their complete disregard for fans when making changes.

Changes such as the budget cap are great, but their obsession with gimmicks like sprint races gives the impression they don’t enjoy ‘normal’ race weekends.

— Jaden Díaz-Ndisang (@JadenFR_) January 18, 2022

“The ongoing lobbying by certain teams to increase the cost cap for Sprint race damage is a continuing example. The Saturday Sprint race initiative by Formula 1 has added new viewers and raised the profile of the sport.”

“However, these teams continue to demand a raise to the cost cap by an inordinate amount of money. Despite the clear evidence that little damage was incurred during these races last year, in a thinly veiled attempt to protect from their competitive advantage being eroded.”

Also read: Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto reveals the issues he wants the FIA to immediately address

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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