F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Brawn: 'F1 teams could run on half the money they spend today'

Formula 1 sporting manager Ross Brawn believes teams could thrive on half of their budgets, and no one would notice.

Brawn is still in the process of defining the sport's future regulation platform from 2021, with Liberty Media planning to unveil its vision to the teams in the first half of this year.

Cost reduction will likely be at the forefront of F1's future framework as Brawn is adamant that reduced budgets are the only viable option to ensure Grand Prix racing's prosperity, even if it means a downgrade in perfection, which he would actually view as a positive.

"We could have a fascinating sport with highly complex cars for less than half the money spent today at the top. And no one would notice," he told Auto, Motor und Sport.

"Perfection and predictability kill the entertainment and the sport suffers.

"The fact that hardly any cars retire during a race is a great technical feat, but unfortunately it does not tell any stories," he addeed.

"What a heartbreaking scene it used to be when a car stopped in the final laps."

Formula 1's elusive budget cap is also still in the cards, but its precise level has yet to be revealed.

"We have a number in mind, but I cannot tell you. It would be unfair because we're still in discussions with the teams," said F1's sporting boss.

As discussions among the interested parties continue, McLaren's Zak Brown is predicting fireworks between Liberty Media, the FIA and the teams, with Ferrari a major pawn in the game.

Brawn sees Liberty revealing its final plans for the post 2020 era "in the first half of the year".

"We want the races to be more entertaining and Formula 1 to be economically viable for all ten to 12 healthy teams," he said.

"And we need cars with which the driver can show his talent. The majority of the fans are fascinated above all else by the drivers."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Norris: Sprint format changes 'not about the drivers'

McLaren driver Lando Norris says that he doesn't have any strong opinions either way about…

2 hours ago

Mekies promises Miami upgrade to keep RB 'surfing on top'

Visa Cash App RB team principal Laurent Mekies has promised that the squad will be…

3 hours ago

Hamilton warned about life at Maranello amid Newey talk

Lewis Hamilton has been warned that he will need to adjust to the way Ferrari…

4 hours ago

Lauda's maiden F1 win and Ferrari's 50th GP triumph

In this scene immortalized by Bernard Cahier, a jumping-jack Luca di Montezemolo flanked by the…

6 hours ago

Brown glad McLaren isn't getting swept up by 'silly season'

McLaren CEO Zac Brown is happy that his team is well out of the unsettling…

7 hours ago

Komatsu: Final call on 2025 Haas drivers 'down to team owner'

Haas F1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has confirmed that the final choice on who gets…

8 hours ago