F1’s new financial rules have been hailed as a success at reining in spend by bigger teams since they were introduced in 2021, but problems have since emerged – including that teams are strictly limited on capital expenditure.
This means some teams therefore find it difficult to upgrade equipment not given exemptions in the cost cap – such as building whole new factories or establishing new wind tunnels – and the matter was raised at the F1 Commission meeting back in February.
Vowles, just a short time into his role as Williams team principal back then, was particularly vocal in pressing for possible changes, which gathered support from other squads, the FIA and the F1 organisation.
In an exclusive interview with Autosport at the Spanish Grand Prix, Vowles said “there’s [been] good progress” on the move to adapt the cost cap to allow teams to invest in other infrastructure other than major building projects.
“I think Formula 1 and the FIA completely understand it,” he added. “Other teams actually understand it as well. Perhaps some less than others, as you can imagine.
“But a financial review is coming up in the next week or two and then I think probably by July that will be finished and done with.”
Source: Autosport