The subject of extra 'capex' headroom within the FIA financial regulations has emerged in recent months as a way of attempting to level the playing field, and thus any decision could have a significant impact on grand prix racing in future years.
Over the Budapest weekend a new idea emerged that will see the specific requirements of teams examined and approved by the FIA on a case-by-case basis, rather than giving all teams the same opportunity to spend more.
The options are set to be discussed in a meeting on Monday of F1’s financial advisory committee [FAC], the forum where the rules are discussed by the teams, generally represented by their chief financial officers.
A definitive vote of team principals will then be taken at Friday’s gathering of the F1 Commission at Spa, although there is currently a governance discussion about whether the subject requires a simple majority of five teams, or a super majority of eight teams.
The subject has become a matter of debate since the financial regulations were introduced because those teams that were historically underfunded and whose infrastructure didn’t keep pace with that of wealthier rivals have now found themselves unable to spend what they need to on new facilities, and thus it’s harder for them to close the performance gap.
Teams such as Williams, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, AlphaTauri and Alpine all have requirements of varying degrees, and have been keen to see an extra allowance that will enable them to invest in the sort of facilities that they need to compete consistently at the top level.
A special dispensation has already been made within the financial regulations for investment in new wind tunnels, which has helped both Aston Martin and McLaren embark on the projects that are currently taking shape at their respective factory sites.
However teams also want to upgrade facilities such as simulators, gearbox dynos and rigs in order to match the capabilities of Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari, and have been pushing for a way to be allowed to make those new investments.
Source: Autosport