When F1 introduced the budget cap in 2021, the goal was to level the playing field and curb the dominance of financially powerful teams. By limiting spending, smaller teams were expected to close the gap, making the sport more competitive. But Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, has criticized the system, claiming it benefits big teams more than ever.
Briatore argued that key expenses like driver salaries and top-tier engineers, such as Adrian Newey, are excluded from the cap. “Adrian Newey is as expensive as a driver. That’s a big cost factor,” he said in an interview with AMuS, pointing to a loophole that allows wealthier teams to maintain their edge.Briatore raised a controversial point: if driver salaries were included in the budget cap, teams would face tough decisions. “Do I prefer to spend my money on the driver or the car?” he questioned. This dilemma underscores the fundamental debate in F1—what matters more, the driver or the car?
While legendary drivers like Fernando Alonso have proven their skill, they’ve also faced career limitations due to uncompetitive machinery. A great car remains the cornerstone of success, forcing teams to prioritize engineering excellence over retaining superstar drivers if salaries were capped.F1’s top drivers, including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel, have voiced strong opposition to any attempt to include their salaries in the budget cap. With F1’s revenue booming, they argue it’s unfair to slash driver earnings. Verstappen and Hamilton, whose salaries could easily claim half the $135 million cap, would make it nearly impossible for teams to build competitive cars.Despite ongoing discussions about making the budget cap stricter, it seems unlikely that driver salaries will be included. The current system, while imperfect, allows teams to balance their spending between engineering innovation and elite talent acquisition. Briatore’s suggestion, though provocative, would likely face resistance from drivers, teams, and stakeholders benefiting from the sport’s financial growth.
The debate remains: should F1 redefine the budget cap to truly level the field, or would such measures stifle the competition and diminish the sport’s allure?
