Source: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
[Saba Sports News] The FIA has plans to incorporate more aspects into the cost cap starting from 2026. Initial proposals included the inclusion of human resources programs such as maternity/paternity leave and employee entertainment, but a coalition of ten F1 teams opposed this idea. The FIA later compromised and clarified that maternity/paternity leave would once again be excluded from the final draft. In response to this, Red Bull F1 Team CEO Christian Horner stated that the cost cap should primarily focus on factors directly impacting track performance rather than employee-related matters. Horner believes that achieving a balance between what is excluded and what is included in the higher number is crucial in expanding the scope of the cost cap. Decisions regarding inclusion and exclusion, as well as determining the relevance to creating performance, should be made through thorough discussions. Therefore, it is important to introduce a factor that balances out the differences in the cost of living, as there may be variations in living costs between Switzerland and other countries. It is essential to ensure that all teams start on an equal footing, at least in terms of the cost cap, so that the difference lies in the capabilities of the individuals and the quality of their work, rather than other factors that may negatively impact this starting point.