Source: REUTERS/Patrick T. Fallon
[Saba Sports News] According to BBC Sport, Formula One will adjust its budget cap starting in 2026, increasing from $135 million per team per year this year to $215 million in 2026. This move aims to offset costs for teams operating in countries with higher salary levels. BBC Sport believes that raising the budget cap will help Audi increase its competitiveness when it officially enters F1 in 2026. Reports indicate that Audi has acquired Sauber F1 Team, which is based in Switzerland where wages are 35-45% higher than those in Britain and Italy where other nine teams are headquartered. According to BBC Sport, this decision has been discussed for at least two years and was finally confirmed at Thursday’s meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council. The FIA believes that although Audi’s budget cap figure will be higher than other competitors’, this change will ensure fair competition within financial limits for all teams considering their specific circumstances. However, Audi’s actual budget cap figure compared to other teams has not yet been calculated. This decision has been confirmed by several senior figures within F1 as part of a restructuring of budget caps aimed at simplifying their operation.