McLaren boss Andreas Seidl has warned that Formula 1 teams cannot expect the budget cap alone have a transformative effect on the championship’s competitive order.
Formula 1 will introduce financial regulations for the first time in 2021, with an annual cap of $175m, in a move that has been welcomed by competitors.
As well as making the sport more sustainable it is hoped that the restrictions on research and development spending will produce a more competitive playing field.
Mercedes has won all titles since the start of the hybrid era in 2014 while only the reigning champions, Ferrari and Red Bull have claimed grand prix victories during that period.
Seidl, whose McLaren team holds fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, has warned that Formula 1’s front-runners will still hold an advantage.
“The big teams are not just there because of having more money: they simply do a better job compared to us,” said Seidl.
“The budget gap is important as it’s the only chance to have a level playing field in the future.
“For sure it will take time before the budget cap washes out. It’s not a secret we’re in favour of the regulations, we supported FIA/FOM a lot, it’s the next important milestone on our way back.”
Seidl also played down suggestions elsewhere that a lack of restrictions on financial spending in 2020 will give the leaders a substantial advantage thereafter.
“In terms of let’s say getting a head start by putting more resources in ‘20 for the big three teams, as I said before they do a better job now so they will do a better job in ‘20, which gives them an automatic head start,” he said.
“still there are limitations in place on the wind tunnel and CFD side which allow you to only do so much, so I don’t think this is the biggest issue that we don’t have a budget cap in place for ‘20 already.”
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