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Perez: Budgets of the top teams are 'scary'

Published on 18 Jun 2019 10:46
3
By: Fergal Walsh

Sergio Perez has labeled the spending figures of Formula 1's top teams as 'scary', stating that the sport needs to dramatically change.

F1 is set to introduce a full budget cap in 2021, with the reported figure at $175 million for each team.

MORE: Formula 1 needs races 'like MotoGP' - Perez | Stroll put emotions on the table en route to points

The introduction of the cap will be one of several moves to bridge the gap between the race winners and midfield competitors.

"It's what the sport is desperate to have, and something it needs," Perez said. "Look at the midfield, it's a great battle. But it's the middle of the grid and at the top of the grid, the margins are too big.

"In Formula 1, everyone has their own interests. The top teams want to be as far away as possible, the midfield teams want to be as close as possible.

"Everyone has their own interests and I think that's what is killing the sport. I'm not going to be here for all my life. I'm just a driver for the next five or so years, and then I won't be competing here."

F1 must preserve itself for future generations

Perez added that the changes that F1 will make should be to benefit the new generation of drivers entering the sport.

"It's for the coming generations that we need a healthier sport," Perez commented. "At the moment, it's not sustainable. When you hear the numbers the top teams are spending, it's quite scary.

"So it's important for the sport to dramatically change, attract new sponsors, and new people.

"I'm not an expert on running a series, but if we all want that, and if we are all aware that F1 is dropping its audience a bit, there are a lot of things that can be done."

F1 News Sergio Perez Racing Point

Replies (3)

f1fan0101

Posts: 1,804
he is right. sad that he doesn't see a nice f1 for himself, only for younger drivers
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- Jun 18 2019 - 11:23
f1ski

Posts: 726
In this politically correct world we must rotate victories to all teams. Buts seriously in the old F1 what many forget with multiple tire makers
there were cars that performed better on high fuel load relatively and hard tires and others on low load and another compound. In todays racing you cannot be competitive unless it is perfect. The time deltas between compounds isn't great enough to give multiple pit stops an advantage. If refueling isn't an option why not give time bonuses for a second and third stop. A bit artificial but it would spice it up.
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- Jun 18 2019 - 16:27
Ram Samartha

Posts: 1,172
The problem is that you have competing mission statements. As long as F1 remains a development series for engine/car manufacturers then they will always want as big of a budget as possible. If the mission was to change to that of being a series only for racing then the sport would dramatically change with the big teams leaving, probably for the worse as the big teams have a lot to do with the success of the sport. Defining and clarifying that mission is probably the hardest thing Liberty has to do for 2021. It's currently not very appealing for manufacturers. Look at the contrast to Formula E where all of the major manufacturers are chomping at the bit to get in to the sport. Do they not want to get in to a dying sport no matter how low the cost of entry? Without new engine manufacturers coming Liberty has to please the current engine suppliers with the direction they are taking the sport.
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- Jun 18 2019 - 21:33