Grosjean sees potential cost-cap helping F1's smaller teams

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As Formula 1 devises its future and mulls the introduction of a budget caps, Romain Grosjean sees the potential cost cutting measures as a means of bridging the gap between the sport's front-runners and its mid-field competitors.

Liberty Media is rumored to be contemplating a $150 million spending limit for teams from 2021 in a bid to level the playing field and attract new teams.

Grosjean is in favour of the budgetary restrictions, believing they would help the cause of F1's smaller non-manufacturer teams such as Haas.

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The Frenchman draws a parallel with Moto GP where regulations enable customer teams to compete on an equal par with factory outfits.

"I love the idea of a cost cap," Grosjean said.

"I’m a fan of MotoGP and if you look at the standings of the riders in MotoGP, Cal Crutchlow is number one, Johan Zarco number three. It’s amazing because every race one can win and it’s mixing a lot.

"When you watch the race you get a surprise. I’d love to see that in Formula 1. One race it’s Mercedes, the next one is Ferrari and then Red Bull and Force India and maybe Haas."

Grosjean argues - and rightly so - that fans want a greater degree of unpredictability, which MotoGP currently offers.

"It's great for the show when you never know who will win. You want to watch it because it's exciting until the last lap."

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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.