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‘Audi set for larger F1 cost cap as spending limit to be raised’ – report
Audi’s entry into F1 in 2026 will be supported by an increase in its own budget cap, as reported by BBC Sport. The decision is a response to the higher salaries in Switzerland, where Audi will be located at Sauber’s Hinwil facility, compared to the UK and Italy, where other teams are based. With the budget cap limiting spending on salaries, Audi is expected to operate on a higher budget limit but will maintain equality within the cost cap. Additionally, there are plans to raise the budget cap to $215 million USD for the 2026 season, up from the current $135 million. The increase in the budget cap is a response to the growing number of races on the calendar and global inflation since the cap was introduced in 2021. Talks about a new framework for the upcoming season are underway, and a final decision is expected to be made after the F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
