Will the Formula 1 Budget Cap Remain the Same Despite New Regulations in 2022?

The 2021 season in Formula 1, was arguably the greatest in the history of the sport. Yes, it was predominantly because of the two title rivals and their battle. But throughout the season, we saw several teams and several drivers shine all the way up to the podium steps.

And one of the reasons for that has to be the ‘revolutionary’ budget cap that was implemented in 2021. It’s ‘revolutionary’ not because F1 is the pioneer of this measure, far from it.

It is because 2021 was the first time, such a cost limiting regulation was imposed in F1’s history. And we all know just how big of a factor money is in terms of a direct impact on a team’s performance.

So this budget cap, which limited the team’s spending to $145 million in 2021, will fall to $140 million in 2022. Or will it?

The answer is, yes, it will fall to $140 million, but not for the rest of the season.

This is because that number is valid only for a 21-race calendar in the rule book. And according to the same rulebook, teams can spend an additional $1.2 million for each race after 21 races. Moreover, teams can also spend an extra $300,000 on a sprint race weekend and $100,000 as  insurance for damaged cars in sprint races.

As we all know, the coming season will have 23 races and six sprint weekends.

So, do the math and you’ll find that, no, the cost cap won’t change from $145 million, at least not considerably.

Budget cap having “a positive impact” in Formula 1 – Ross Brawn

Formula 1 Managing Director Ross Brawn had praised the budget cap and the impact it’s having in 2021. He wrote, “There is no doubt in my mind that the cost cap and the rules changes that were implemented are having a positive impact on the closeness and intensity of the championship.”

“The resources are now limited and the teams are also focused on next year’s car, which is requiring a lot of time and resource,” Brawn added.

Despite the budget cap not changing considerably in 2022, we should expect a shakeup of the grid as we know it with the new generation of car coming in.

But it’ll be interesting to see just how F1 tops or matches the mega season it delivered in 2021.

Also Read: Report: Ferrari Continue to Make Major F1 Breakthroughs as Honda Show Signs of Jealously