Lewis Hamilton has contended that the financial limitations imposed by the cost cap have contributed to the 2025 Formula 1 season being “less exciting” at the top.
The budget cap was implemented in 2021 as a mechanism to bridge the gap between what the leading challengers in the sport were spending compared to the rest.
But that has proven to be a hindrance to the spectacle when one team has started the campaign in a dominant position – as has been the case in 2025 with McLaren.
McLaren is poised to retain the Constructors’ Championship as it possesses a considerable 333-point lead, while the Drivers’ title is also on track to head to the team.
With every side having to adhere to a set budget and sweeping regulation changes on the horizon in 2026, McLaren’s main rivals have given up the chase this season.
Hamilton, whose Ferrari team is among those, has stressed that was not the case in the past when there were no constraints on the amounts that could be expended.
“I remember in 2008 when we [McLaren] were still able to bring upgrades in that year, we were still fighting, we were still developing the car right to the end, and obviously the next year’s car was a disaster, but they would have to do those two in tandem,” Hamilton told media including Motorsport Week.
“And then in 2013, again, I was switching [to Mercedes from McLaren], so it’s difficult to say so much in that section, but I would say this time it’s not been as exciting because we’ve moved over so early, and so you then just stuck with what you have for the year.
“So it makes this season less exciting because you’re not getting developments, so just going to see out the rest of the year with what you have, but then next year will be an exciting one because there’ll be lots of upgrades throughout.”
McLaren counters Hamilton claim on spending limit
However, McLaren boss Andrea Stella has pinpointed his team’s turnaround under the current regulations to highlight that progress is possible with a spending limit.
“I would add that the budget cap is one of the most important aspects of the regulations that we have in place to guarantee the health and the viability of the sport,” he countered. “So I think it’s important we remark that.
“At the same time, let me say that, for instance, we at McLaren have been able to make a decent step forward under the budget cap, because I think ultimately you can find performance not only from a financial point of view, but also from a technical point of view. So I don’t think the budget cap is a limitation.”
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