Max Verstappen: “It’s completely wrong because I think right now F1 is becoming more and more popular and everyone is making more and more money.”; watch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix live on Sky Sports throughout the weekend, with the race on Sunday at 12:00
Last updated: 10/06/22 11:02 am
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Max Verstappen talks about recent rumors of a potential salary cap on F1 and suggests it could be potentially detrimental to the sport.
Max Verstappen talks about recent rumors of a potential salary cap on F1 and suggests it could be potentially detrimental to the sport.
Current world champion Max Verstappen says introducing a salary cap for Formula One drivers would be “completely wrong”.
The sport introduced a budget cap at the start of the 2021 season, which has been slightly reduced for 2022 to limit teams from spending $ 140 million (£ 119 million) on their campaigns, but salaries of drivers are not currently included.
However, in recent weeks it has been speculated that the possibility of incorporating more elements into the head is being discussed.
That change could affect drivers like Verstappen, who recently signed a £ 40million contract extension with Red Bull, which will keep him tied to the team until 2028.
“It’s still a bit vague. I don’t think anyone really knows where it’s going,” Verstappen said on Friday ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijani GP in Baku.
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As the countdown to this weekend’s long-awaited Grand Prix of Azerbaijan continues, let’s take a look at last year’s memorable race in Baku.
As the countdown to this weekend’s long-awaited Grand Prix of Azerbaijan continues, let’s take a look at last year’s memorable race in Baku.
“But for my part, it ‘s completely wrong because I think right now F1 is becoming more and more popular and everyone is making more and more money, including the teams, F1. [owners] – everyone benefits.
“Then why should drivers be limited, with their intellectual property rights and all, who really take the show and put their lives at risk, because we do. So for me, is completely wrong “.
Verstappen, who leads the world championship after winning his first title last season, added that the introduction of a salary cap could also negatively affect drivers in the junior motorsport categories, which often depend on sponsors or financial sponsors to support their career.
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Verstappen speaks before the first day of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Verstappen speaks before the first day of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
“In all junior categories, if you see how many of these drivers have a sponsor or a sponsor, they will eventually have a certain percentage of their income potentially in F1 or anywhere,” Verstappen said.
“I think this will limit a lot because they will never get their return on money if you get a cap. So it will also hurt all the junior categories and I don’t think you want to.”
Vettel: Teams should have a profit limit
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel agreed with Verstappen that a salary cap for drivers would be “wrong” and seemed to accuse teams of including the issue on the sport’s agenda.
“I think it’s interesting if you keep track of where this proposal is coming from,” said the Aston Martin pilot.
Sebastian Vettel suggested that F1 teams should limit profits
“Obviously we now have a budget cap, which drives the model towards profits for all teams. I think maybe they should be limited in terms of certain fixed profits, and everything beyond that should go to a certain group. to do great things with it and have a positive impact.
“After this suggestion, I can imagine that the answer will be that the issue will disappear.
“It’s not a fun coincidence that this is the first time teams can make money with Formula 1 racing and there’s something like the drivers’ salary cap, isn’t it fun?”