BMW is in favor of budget caps

BMW motorsport chief Mario Theissen says he is in favor of budget caps with a view to reducing costs in Formula 1.

« Cost reduction is desirable, we support it, and we have always supported it. The idea of a budget cap is at first glance very interesting, » said Theissen at the launch of the new car in Munich.

« We should think a little about its mode of operation. What would the ceiling be, what would be included? I would prefer a budget ceiling in certain specific areas. »

The statements from Theissen come after a team directors’ meeting last week, called by the FIA director, to reduce costs in the sport.

In Paris, most teams showed support for the introduction of a budget cap, which would be set at around 120 million dollars.

However, Theissen added that limiting aerodynamics would not be the best solution to reduce costs.

« I believe that, for various reasons, it wouldn’t be ideal. First of all, it wouldn’t be fair because the teams are from different levels. Secondly, it is practically impossible to control, and thirdly, I believe the challenge is to consume our resources where we have the most performance. »

« If some teams decide to spend a lot of money on drivers, it should be possible for another team to spend a lot of money on a computer! »

And then, in addition to that, if you really want to limit the use of expensive tools, you need to start with tools that are not common in F1, not a tool that every team is already using, the German concluded.