London (dpa) - The Formula 1 teams apparently want to further lower the spending limit already decided because of the corona pandemic. McLaren CEO Zak Brown told the BBC that the amount of the reduction was still controversial among the racing teams.
"All are for $ 150 million, and a large majority, including one of the top teams, are ready to go well below $ 150 million," said the American. The budget limit should come into effect from the next season and ensure more competition. So far, $ 175 million has been agreed as an annual cost limit for each team.
Brown warned that Formula One was in a "very fragile state" due to the Corona crisis. The racing series had canceled or postponed all World Championship races until at least June due to the spread of Sars-CoV-2. The teams are currently on early plant holidays. "I could imagine that four teams would disappear if not handled properly," said Brown.
The 48-year-old motorsport boss at the British racing team has proposed a future budget limit of $ 100 million. Brown could imagine a compromise of $ 125 million. According to the BBC, Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari team and Red Bull in particular are opposed to a further reduction in the spending limit.
"Two teams put their sporting interests above the big picture and don't understand that they run the risk of endangering the sport - and then we all lose," Brown said.
McLaren was the first of the ten Formula One teams in the Corona crisis to send employees on vacation. The two pilots Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz and the higher team management voluntarily waive part of their salary.
Statement by Zak Brown at the BBC
