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McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl says the COVID-19 crisis is perhaps the "final wake-up call" that will compel Formula 1 to embrace drastic changes to protect the sport and its teams.
Formula 1 has adopted a series of measures that will help mitigate the impact on the teams of the current economic downturn. Next years' regulation overhaul ahs bene pushed back to 2022 while this year's 2020 chassis designs will be extended into next season along with yet to be defined list of additional parts and components.
But the biggest topic for the teams regarding 2021 is the implementation of F1's long-awaited budget, the limit of which has been reduced from $175m to $150m. However, the sport's smaller outfits - including McLaren - are seeking a more drastic cut back.
Crunch talks on the budget cap threshold are set to take place on Thursday afternoon between Formula 1, the FIA and the teams, and Seidl is hoping the talks will result in some "bold decisions".
"I think the crisis we're in now is the final wake-up call that the sport which was unhealthy before, and not sustainable, has now reached a point where we need big changes, drastic changes," Seidl said in a media video conference on Wednesday.
"The most important thing is that we simply make the next big step on the budget cap, because we think it's absolutely important now with all the financial losses that we will face this year.
"We know that Jean Todt is having together with Chase [Carey] a lot of meetings with the teams to make big decisions in order to protect the teams, in order to protect I think also the future of F1.
"We would like to see the budget cap as low as possible. We have put out the number of $100 million, which is something we would be in favour of.
"I clearly see a commitment from everyone, understanding that we are in a big crisis and that we have to make big decisions to make sure we protect the teams and protect Formula 1.
"I still hope we make a big step on the budget cap in the next days, and make some bold decisions, because it will be in the best interest, not just for us, but for everyone in the pitlane."
Formula 1 has reached an important crossroad, forced upon it by events. But if it gets its decisions right in the face of the current crisis, a new and improved F1 will emerge insists Seidl.
"If we make the right decisions now under the leadership of the FIA and Formula 1, Formula 1 in the future can actually be more sustainable, and in a better and more healthy shape compared to where it has been in previous years," Seidl said.
"In the end, [it] should help to improve the sport as well, improve the show, which is for the benefit for all of us and all our fans as well."
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