After the words of the Red Bull team boss that set off the alarms, Christian Horner indicated a few weeks ago – specifically during the Spanish GP – that up to seven teams will cross the budget limit, and that they may have to skip the last four races it’s from the season.
Faced with this worrying situation in the paddock, the Formula 1 teams have divided into two camps. While some are calling for an increase in the money cap, smaller teams such as Alpine and Alfa Romeo are reluctant to ease the budget cap.
However, Seidl hopes that the FIA and Formula 1 will be able to negotiate a solution as talks continue on this matter. Thus, when asked if McLaren could stay within the limit for the 2022 season, Seidl said:
“For us, as a team that was planned to be at the cap at the beginning of the year, with all these unexpected expenses that came up, now we’re in a position where we can’t meet the [budget] cap anymore, because you just have certain fixed expenses with which you start a season”.
“With this unexpected increase, especially in transport and supply costs, we are in the same position as other teams that we cannot reach the limit this year.”
“However, I remain confident that with all the discussions currently going on with the other teams, the FIA and Formula 1, we will find a solution.”
Seidl argued that it is necessary, especially for reasons of sustainability.
“The most important thing is that we find a definite solution for everyone in the interest of the sport. I think that is also crucial to ensure that the principles of cost containment are not diluted,” said the German.
“I am absolutely delighted that we have the spending cap. It was a necessity for the sport in general, for Formula 1, but also for us as a team, to be able to participate in Formula 1 in a financially sustainable way, but also to be able to be competitive. on the sport “.
“It’s just a new dimension or parameter to consider in the way you end the year in Formula 1.
What sanctions would McLaren face?
“But in the end it’s the same challenge for everyone, so I have no qualms about it.” However, if a solution is not found and some teams have exceeded the spending cap at the end of the season, the penalty will be based on the percentage by which the cap was exceeded .
If a team exceeds the upper limit by more than five percent, an exclusion from the season is conceivable. Asked if Seidl is due to exceed the upper limit by a maximum of five per cent, the McLaren team boss replied:
“I’m not focused on any particular number, I’m just trying to find a solution that works for everyone involved, in the best interest of the sport. Everyone has an interest that we find a definite solution for this year,” he concluded.
