Formula 1’s trailing quartet have secured the right to expend an additional $20 million each to enhance their dated infrastructure.
According to performances from 2020, 2021, and 2022, the quartet lagging behind – Williams, Haas, Sauber, and Alpha Tauri – have achieved their goal for an exceptional ‘catch-up’ allocation beyond the existing budget cap.
The intricate ‘CapEx’ and ‘OpEx’ budget cap discussion was ardently advocated by Williams’ new leader, James Vowles. Following Dorilton Capital’s acquisition, he is eager to escalate the team’s progress.
In Qatar, he acknowledged the extra $20m for infrastructural advancements, stating it’s “Not perhaps the 100 (million) I was looking for, but a good step in the right direction”.
Nevertheless, despite the augmented budget, Vowles highlighted his reservations about Andretti-Cadillac joining F1. His concerns stem from the financial vulnerability of some existing lower-tier teams, Williams included.
“I’d say probably half the grid aren’t (stable),” he mentioned.
“I think the addition of an eleventh team is a sensible thing, but only at a point where the tenth team on the grid is financial stable,” Vowles added.
“I’m fortunate to have owners that really believe in what we’re doing and to invest in what we’re doing, but we need to take care as a sport to make sure we look after that.”
