In a lighthearted jab at rival team Red Bull, McLaren CEO Zak Brown revealed that one of the first steps his team took to adhere to Formula 1’s cost cap regulations was to reduce their catering expenses. Catering became a topic of controversy surrounding the cost cap last season when it was partly blamed for Red Bull’s minor overspend of the 2021 budget, resulting in penalties for the team.
Red Bull faced a $7 million fine and a 10% reduction in wind tunnel testing as a consequence, leaving other teams wary of potential penalties when the financial results of the 2022 season are released later this year.
Speaking to the media, including PlanetF1.com, Brown jokingly stated, “First thing we did was we reduced our catering bill! We had some inefficiencies in our spending.” While making light of the situation, Brown explained that McLaren made tough decisions to streamline their expenses. Previously, McLaren had been renting wind tunnels, which incurred higher costs compared to operating their own facility. By making adjustments and redirecting funds to more efficient areas, McLaren aims to stay within the cost cap.
Brown also revealed that McLaren is commissioning a new wind tunnel, set to become operational in the second half of this year. Despite the financial challenges, the team has made significant investments in new technologies that offer improved cost-efficiency, allowing them to allocate resources to additional staff.
When asked about the potential of Google becoming a title sponsor, Brown sidestepped the question but praised the company’s partnership with McLaren. Google has collaborated with McLaren for a special livery this weekend, showcasing a blend of the team’s history and future. Brown expressed excitement about the initiatives undertaken by various teams in collaboration with their sponsors, emphasizing the aim to provide fans with thrilling experiences throughout the season.
As Formula 1 continues to navigate the cost cap regulations, teams are implementing strategies to manage their budgets effectively while remaining competitive on the track. McLaren’s cost-cutting measures, including reducing catering expenses and investing in more efficient technologies, demonstrate their commitment to financial stability and performance in the sport.
