Williams and other F1 teams seek additional investment spending
The team manager of Williams, James Vowles, has been leading the search for extra funding within the cost cap limits to upgrade the team’s aging factory infrastructure. Other teams also have investment projects on hold but are willing to accept a lower amount than Williams.
Case-by-case consideration for investment requests
An option that has been discussed is for the FIA to consider investment requests on a case-by-case basis, rather than granting all teams the same allowance. However, this option was not agreed upon at the recent F1 Commission meeting. Both the FIA and F1 voted against a blanket increase for all teams, as it would only maintain the status quo.
Teams will constantly ask for more leeway
Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari, expressed his opinion on the matter, stating that if one team’s request is approved, other teams will constantly ask for more leeway. He emphasized the importance of stability in Formula 1 and the need to adhere to regulations.
Stability and the cost cap
Vasseur believes that stability is crucial for the sport and that the cost cap has been a significant step forward in terms of performance convergence, team profitability, and overall stability. He supports the direction taken by Formula 1 and warns that deviating from it would undermine the effectiveness of the cost cap.
Ferrari unwilling to support power unit performance equalization
Vasseur also made it clear that Ferrari does not support Renault’s attempt to equalize power unit performance through a breather in development. This matter was discussed in the F1 Commission but remains unresolved. Vasseur believes that any support given should not provide an advantage to a specific team or engine manufacturer, as it would disrupt the balance of performance.
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