Wolff predicts FIA’s stricter approach will apprehend Formula 1 teams trying to bypass cost cap regulations
The FIA Intensifies Cost Cap Investigations in Motor Racing
In a recent revelation by Motorsport.com, it has come to light that the governing body of motor racing, FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), is ramping up its investigations into teams’ cost cap submissions. Representatives from the FIA have been visiting various teams to scrutinize their cost cap figures and ensure compliance with regulations.
This increased scrutiny has resulted in some squads receiving detailed questionnaires with over 100 queries seeking further clarification regarding their spending habits. The FIA has also begun investigating teams for any non-F1 activities they may be engaged in.
This development follows the issuance of a technical directive called TD45, which stipulates that any intellectual property transfer from a team’s non-F1 elements to their grand prix teams must fall within the confines of the cost cap. This directive was prompted by suspicions that certain teams were channeling funds towards non-F1 staff and projects aimed at gaining performance advantages outside of the official cost cap allowance for Formula One.
When asked about potential exploitation in this area, Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, expressed his belief that some teams had indeed taken advantage of these loopholes: “I think so. Yes.”
However, Wolff acknowledged the significant effort and work put in by the FIA during audits and expressed confidence that similar measures would be applied across all other teams as well: “If someone has been cavalier or has cheated, then they’re going to find out.”
The implementation of TD45 has prompted some teams to make infrastructural changes in order to ensure full compliance with the revised interpretation of the rules. This includes McLaren setting up a separate entity called McLaren Advanced Projects, aimed at keeping non-F1 work completely segregated from their grand prix team.
Andrea Stella, Team Principal of McLaren Racing, welcomed this approach by the FIA and emphasized the need for robust policing: “We welcome very much this approach by the FIA, and we think that a strong policing is absolutely necessary. There could be some exploitation due to complexities in team structures, which can create opportunities or lack of clarity.”
Stella further explained that creating McLaren Advanced Projects was a proactive step taken in anticipation of regulatory changes: “It’s been created in light of what we knew was coming from a regulatory point of view…the cost cap is the fundamental element of creating a level playing field.”
Last year, Red Bull Racing faced penalties for breaching spending limits during their title-winning campaign. Christian Horner, Team Principal at Red Bull Racing, sees stricter enforcement as beneficial in providing clearer guidelines and reducing accidental breaches: “As regulations firm up and become more straightforward…it creates more clarity.”
TD45 did not require any immediate adjustments within Red Bull’s business structure according to Horner. However, he acknowledged that different teams have distinct setups that may affect how they adhere to these regulations: “For example…