McLaren F1 team boss Zak Brown hails 'outstanding' cost cap and outlines WHY it's working

Cars scramble into the first corner at the United States Grand prix — Photo: © IMAGO

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F1 team boss hails 'outstanding' cost cap and outlines WHY it's working

The cost cap has been a part of F1 since its introduction in 2021

Matthew Hobkinson Lead Editor

F1 Editor & Journalist

Wednesday 7 February 2024 16:57

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has hailed the implementation of the cost cap, citing the threat posed in qualifying from those traditionally at the back of the grid as proof of the benefit to Formula 1.

Since 2021, a limit has been introduced as to how much F1 teams can spend developing and building their cars.

Brought in to try and level the playing field, it has prevented teams who are able to simply throw money at problems from outmuscling the field in the financial arena away from the track.

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Although not a perfect solution – nor one that will have overnight success – there has been plenty of praise for its implementation.

The McLaren team have been working hard on their new car for the 2024 F1 season

After a successful 2023 campaign, McLaren will now hope they can give Red Bull a stronger challenge

And Brown has now sung the cap's praises, noting the increased competition within the sport.

Brown: Cost cap helping competition in F1

“I think the cap has been outstanding for the sport,” Brown told Autosport.

“It’s not yet perfect but I don’t think that something that is so young wasn’t going to have some loopholes which the FIA are closing.

“Max [Verstappen] made it the most dominant season by one driver and team ever, but if you took Max out of the equation, you had for the first time five teams with seven or more podiums.

“I can’t recall a team that has been 10th in the constructors’ [championship], always being a threat to be in Q3. I think we’re all used to the team being in P10 being three seconds off pole.

“I think the budget cap has had the intended consequences of making the field much more competitive.

“I can tell you from sitting on the pitwall, there’s no team that we don’t think – when we’re looking at times – is a threat to get into Q3. That’s the benefit of the budget cap.”

Red Bull McLaren Formula 1 Christian Horner Zak Brown