FIA Weighs Cost Cap Removal in F1 Amid McLaren’s Bold Complaint Fee Proposal

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Formula 1’s president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is reassessing the viability of the current cost cap following logistical challenges that have plagued the FIA. Introduced in 2021, this cap was designed to level the competitive field by restricting team spending.

Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem expressed concerns regarding the complexity of enforcing the cost cap, which mandates scrutiny of each team’s financial activities. “The cost cap is giving the FIA a headache. So what’s the point of it?” he questioned, revealing his frustrations about the administrative burden involved.

In a related development, Ben Sulayem endorsed a proposal from McLaren Racing’s Zak Brown. This proposal would require teams making allegations against others to submit a formal complaint with a monetary deposit, refundable if the claims are substantiated. Brown’s strategy aims to deter unfounded accusations by suggesting that any unsuccessful claims should count against the team’s cost cap.

While Ben Sulayem supports the idea, he remains cautious about its potential implications on the cost cap itself. He highlighted the importance of formalizing accusations, stating, “You cannot just accuse someone without a written complaint, and that protest has to come with a fee.” He proposed a sum of $50,000 as a potential cost for lodging such complaints.

Additionally, Ben Sulayem mentioned that clarifications to the driver code of conduct policy are expected to be finalized next week. However, he confirmed that the ban on profanity during official FIA events will remain in place. Drivers have faced backlash over this rule, but Ben Sulayem is adamant about enforcing it.

The cost cap for the 2025 season stands at $140.4 million, reflecting a continuous effort to maintain competitive balance among teams. This financial regulation serves to restrict larger teams from overwhelming smaller competitors through excessive spending on development.

As discussions around these regulations continue, the Formula 1 community remains watchful of potential reforms that may reshape the competitive landscape.