Hold on, don't change the subject now. You say those teams beat Ferrari despite having a financial handicap, where there is none. More often than not the teams that managed to beat Ferrari had more money, so your argument that those teams had a financial handicap (less money) doesn't hold true. And now, you try and change the subject by saying Ferrari gets the money isn't fair. In many companies, employees get a long service bonus as well. Is that unfair? All teams agree to it. All teams buying into F1 are aware of it.
Don't try convincing me, it won't work. We are talking about a sport here, not a job! The only way to enter F1 is to accept a fundamental unbalance. The financial discrepancy is when one team receives $80M* or more without even turning a wheel !! It's not only Ferrari, but apparently McLaren and Williams as well that receice special treatment. * I don't know the exact figure, but it must be in that ballpark.
Mercedes receives a heritage bonus as well. And yes I'm not trying to convince you, I know talking to you is like talking to a wall.
The saddest part is that Mercedes and Red Bull negotiated their own bonus without being a historical team or whatever.
I am a bit surprised that Mercedes needs a bonus, but I don't dismiss it. For a couple of years, Mercedes was even paying the fees for the German GP. As for Red Bull, I believe they bankroll the Austian GP, so maybe ... The fact is that some teams receiving financial favours completely distort the sport, but we are not living in an ideal world, are we?
In an ideal world, racing would be free so everybody would have a chance, etc... But it is what it is. Yet, if someone is going to get more money, at least it should be for merits in the sport. That could be winning, or just surviving for many years. Mercedes and Red Bull just BRIBED to get theirs. It makes sense from a business point of view so, OK, I get it. Yet, it grinds my gears that, for whatever reason, people only complains about the Ferrari bonus.
In an ideal world, a racing team would find as much sponsorship as they could, and use that money to more the car forward. In an Ideal world, a race track would be paid to hold a race, and give the seats away for free. In an ideal world, a driver would drive the race in such a way as to :: .....a) get as far forward as possible .....b) cause as little damage to everyone else as possible .....c) do it for the joy of driving .....d) get paid nothing .....e) be gracious at all times
McLaren F1 future safe as team rules out Audi sale McLaren CEO Zak Brown has ruled out a sale of the Formula 1 team to Audi, despite the German manufacturer’s interest in a potential takeover.
LIVESTREAM: Tune in for a very special announcement at the Belgian Grand Prix | Formula 1® official now
Audi taking a dig at Mercedes after their announcement of joining F1 at Spa 2022. Audi have already made indirect comments about Mercedes in their statement: "This is the first time in more than a decade that a Formula 1 power train will be built in Germany."
AMuS Audi confirms building F1 engine for 2026. Development started almost 6 months ago. New F1 department in Neuburg already 120 people strong right now (will grow up to 300), headed by Adam Baker (ex Cosworth, BMW, FIA). Takeover of Sauber majority not yet confirmed. Audi is expected to buy 75% of the Swiss company leaving 25% to Finn Rausing. https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-1/audi-f1-einstieg-2026-offiziell/
No one cares where the motor is built. It’s actually the Porsche motor project revived and moved to Audi facility. They could build it in China. Results matter in the end. How long will Audi or Porsche stay. How much pain will they endure and not leave lol. The vulnerability of 2 VW family members in total will be monitored closely by the board. How much of “Sauber” will survive a failure by this effort?? Both entities get 10mil extra for 2 years. And 5 for one final year to ensure they may be competitive. Interesting times are ahead!!!
Alfa ending their agreement with Sauber after 2023. Can we expect to see Haas-Alfa in 2024? What are Sauber going to do for engine and sponsor in ‘24 and ‘25?
Reminds me of the TV test pattern from the black and white days. Hopefully they come up with something better. Like a white car, as in Germany's color
f1 does not need to whoring itself before audi & porsche. thay will take no-time leaving the sport if situation appears. thus way the left wec and recently audi's abandoning lmdh project.
If Audi and Porsche are going to spend $600millions each to get in, I cannot see them leaving F1 so quickly.
The 'evolution' of the auto industry at large is a much larger threat. Yes the outlay noted is not extraordinary and much of the draw for VW Group is the budget cap. Literally that cap has changed nothing at the front LOL. The faith put in that concept is hilarious. Given basic inflation-- the current cap is broken.
Audi and Porsche claim it's the emphasis on electric power and the reduction of the ICE output starting with the new engine rules in 2026, added to the adoption of zero carbon fuel that attracted them to join F1. I would think the budget cap is just a re-assurance that the venture will not turn into a bottomless pit. They want to be in F1, but not at any cost !
