In 2021, Formula 1 introduced the budget cap, setting the maximum spending limit for all Formula 1 teams on the grid to $145 million, with the aim of making the championship more sustainable and preventing the teams with more financial power to gain an advantage from this point of view. Then, for the 2022 season, the FIA decided to lower the limit to 140 million, which lead to the protest of some teams struggling with the increase in energy costs and inflation.
However, Ferrari English senior performance engineer Jock Clear believes the teams were creative enough to manage the development of their cars optimally despite the various difficulties and budget constraints. Here are his considerations.
Interviewed by the Motorsport Network, Jock Clear first said: “The dynamics of the championship obviously have an impact on a team’s choices on ‘where to develop’. Towards the end of the year, you practically know where your spending cap is.”
The Ferrari English senior performance engineer then continued: “Inevitably, decisions are made based on the current situation. Of course the goal is to never stop developing. But, regardless of everything, this helps the actual brain power, which does not cost much. In all teams there are very intelligent people who have brilliant ideas.” – Jock Clear explained.
Hinting that Ferrari already has clear ideas about the changes that need to be made to the car for next season, he added: “Even if we don’t bring certain updates to the track immediately, they will most likely be used at the beginning of the next championship. Once again, each teams chooses when to bring them”.
Finally, Jock Clear explained that “the cost cap has certainly not put a limit on people comping up with great ideas. Back in the factory, it always happens and it’s pretty exciting.” – the Ferrari senior performance engineer concluded.
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