FIA considering scrapping major F1 rule in move that could have massive impact on the title race
Formula One's governing body is reportedly considering scrapping a massive rule that could completely change the sport.
Since his appointment as FIA President in December 2021, it's fair to say that Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been involved in more than a couple controversies.
Perhaps most famously, the 63-year-old led the decision to implement harsher punishments for Formula One drivers who are found guilty of swearing or using abusive language.
However, a new report has claimed that Ben Sulayem is considering making another change to the sport, and it could have a massive impact for years to come.
Advert
In 2021, a cost cap was introduced on all F1 teams to try to limit the amount of money each team can spend to a flat rate to try and close the grid up and make the sport more competitive.
The cap, which is currently set at about $140 million (£104.9m) is viewed by many as a key part of keeping the sport fair and ensuring that F1 teams can become profitable businesses.
However, Ben Sulayem has announced that he is considering getting round of the cost cap altogether, claiming that it is causing a lot of problems for the FIA.
"I’m looking at the cost cap and it’s just giving the FIA a headache," the FIA President is quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
"So what’s the point of it? I don’t see the point. I really don’t."
Since its introduction, the cost cap has prevented the bigger teams such as Ferrari and Red Bull from being able to endlessly spend on their development to ensure that they have the best car on the grid.
If not for the cost cap, the smaller teams would likely be unable to afford the level of spending that their rivals and would fall even further behind them in the standings.
But as a consequence of the introduction of the cost cap, teams like Williams have enjoyed a resurgence this season with a talented driving lineup of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz paired with team principal James Vowles.
The news of Ben Sulayem's controversial opinion on the cost cap comes amid reports that he could face competition for his job from Carlos Sainz Sr, father of the Williams driver, at the next presidential election in December.
Ben McCrum