Frédéric Vasseur: “We need to stop bringing about evolutions every weekend”
The budget ceiling has been reduced in 2022, and with inflation and the increase in shipping costs, many teams think they won't be able to finish the season without going over. Frédéric Vasseur offers a quite pragmatic solution.
The budget ceiling, going from 130 million euros to 126 million in 2022, is putting many teams in difficulty. With global geopolitical tensions and the economic hardships faced by many countries, inflation and freight costs are on the rise. Some teams, like Red Bull, are suggesting an adjustment to the ceiling to compensate for the price increase. Frédéric Vasseur, director of Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN, proposes a solution to avoid an increase in the ceiling.
Among the biggest teams, Ferrari is already in trouble, certain that they will not be able to stay within the budget cap, which exposes the Scuderia to sanctions such as a fine, a points deduction in the championship, exclusion from one or more Grand Prix races, a reduction in track or wind tunnel testing…
Regarding this situation, Vasseur explains: « The difference is that we are not talking about the budget cap, we are talking about our own budget. I won’t be able to spend more than what I have. I can understand their situation, but if we have an increase in energy or freight costs, the solution is to turn off the wind tunnel and stop bringing upgrades every weekend. We are in a situation where sooner or later, we have to stop developing the car because we will be at the limit of our budget, and I think everyone can do the same. »
Otmar Szafnauer, director of Alpine F1 Team, is in line with his rival: « Most teams set their budget in November or December for the following year, and we are no exception. At that time, inflation was already at 7%. We have taken that into account and we are still under the cap, and we plan to stay under it by the end of the year. We will adjust development accordingly. I believe it is achievable. When there’s a will, there’s a way. We have set a budget cap, and we should stick to it. »
Other teams disagree with this solution. McLaren, as Andreas Seidl affirms, proposes a compromise. He says, “I think that if we have exceptional circumstances, like the current situation, that arise during the season when everything is already set in terms of budget, there should always be the possibility of having sensible discussions and finding good solutions for F1. I remain hopeful that we will find good solutions.”
