The cost cap introduced in F1 has been impactful in changing various aspects of the sport. With a cap put on the development of a car, the consistency of a season increases thus increasing the value of the teams. With Mercedes already on top of the table, Toto Wolff makes an interesting claim regarding the worth Mercedes holds.

In a recent interview with AMuS, Toto Wolff was asked about the value Mercedes holds. Wolff answered, “I don’t want to give numbers, but I think we’re getting closer to the ratings of the American NBA and NFL teams. We will clearly write profits and with that, it is possible to estimate how you are rated.”

Although Mercedes is well ahead of the pack in terms of value, Wolff reckons two teams are nearing the ballpark. ” I think Ferrari and McLaren will be next. This increases the credibility factor of the whole series.”

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Wolff also argued that the cost cap keeps the gates closed at 10 teams; thus also maintaining the credibility of the sport. “The advantage of the cost cap is that every newcomer knows what they are getting themselves into. He knows nobody can spend more than $145 or $140 million… In the past, nobody knew how much money it would cost to compete against Ferrari, Red Bull, or Mercedes.”

Toto Wolff explains Mercedes’ sacrifices under cost cap

While the cost cap is positive for Mercedes in the bigger picture, the Brackley team had to cut corners in the 2021 season. Looking back at its first season with the limitation, Wolff expands on Mercedes’ response to the cap.

“We had to carry out a restructuring that not only affected people but also essential processes had to be changed.” As a result, Wolff had to upgrade his personnel. “For the first time, we had to train financial engineers to identify cost savings along the entire value chain.”

Although Mercedes thrived regardless of the limit, the team initially protested the regulation. Now, Wolff believes the sport will be more harmonized. “The whole thing has degenerated into an arms race between Red Bull, Ferrari, and us. Now everything will be more balanced.”

The primary goal of the budget was to bring the grid closer together and make the game relatively equal to all teams. The Austrian states that this idea will succeed. ” I think there will be five or six teams in the running for wins in the future. That’s good for sports. It’s not always the same team that wins the Super Bowl.”

Looking ahead, the 2022 season looks to further level the playing field with its new regulations. Will Mercedes’ stable position at the top be threatened, or will the eight-time champions tighten their grip around their F1 reign?

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