McLaren: Some teams want to raise budget cap by 'a ridiculous number'

The test of the sprint format in 2021 has led to plans to expand to six sprint events in 2022. The first of these is scheduled for the season opener in Bahrain. This may involve the use of the alternative layout, also known as the 'outer loop' of the circuit.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of discussions about the format. There may be changes in the number of points and the winner of the sprint race may no longer be rewarded with the pole position on Sunday. There is also talk of a possible increase in the budget ceiling because of possible damage incurred in the sprint races.

Some teams seize every opportunity to raise budget cap

The budget cap, which was introduced in 2021, drops to $140 million this year and will drop by another $5 million in 2023. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, therefore thinks it is out of place to raise that budget ceiling again now. He says so in conversation with Motorsport.com.

According to Brown, some teams wanted to take the opportunity to raise the budget ceiling 'by a ridiculous amount'. The American says McLaren is 'strongly opposed' to that increase and states that it wants to discuss the issue with the teams concerned.

In 2021, teams received a $450,000 allowance for participating in three sprint races, as well as an additional $100,000 for accident damages. According to Brown, "a few teams" want to greatly increase that amount, even though there was extremely little damage last year in the sprint races.