Bernie Ecclestone says he plans to reward anyone from within their own team if they provide proof that the team is breaking the proposed budget cap.
At present, some of the larger teams are spending upwards of £200 million (€240m, $328m) per season in an effort to find extra tenths, but with drivers such as Kimi Raikkonen going unpaid and smaller teams facing uncertain futures, spending needs to be controlled.
From 2015 onwards, the sport will introduce a cap on how much each team can spend. Ecclestone revealed that next year it will be capped at £122 million (€147m, $200m) – though it’s not certain what will and won’t be included.
“We have approved the budget cap,” he told the Express. “It is going to happen. Everyone agreed to $200 million.
“What hasn’t been agreed is what is in the $200 million. Unless we include everything, I am sure people will find ways around it. It’s going to be difficult,” he admitted.
However, he hopes a lucrative bonus to anyone who can prove their team has overspent, plus a penalty for the team, will ensure any cheats are caught or dissuaded.
“The plan under consideration is to give €1 million (£830,000, $1.36m) to any whistleblower whose knowledge is proved to be accurate,” he added.
“We will then say to the team that the following year you will lose three of the maximum points you have scored. Then let’s see if they want to cheat.”
