P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi will join the F1 grid in 2026 and has convinced the FIA to make a rule exception for its arrival that could have big knock-on effects.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has disclosed that nine F1 teams are opposing the budget cap increase incorporated into the 2026 financial regulations, which is set to rise from $135 million to $215 million over a year. The higher cap adjustment was made by the FIA in light of the salaries in Switzerland, where Audi, operating from Sauber’s Hinwil headquarters upon joining the grid, argued for more room for car development spending due to higher staff salaries compared to other teams. Komatsu raised concerns about the exemption granted to Audi, questioning the criteria for deviation. He pointed out the varying costs of setting up teams across different locations and the potential competitive advantages resulting from the budget cap adjustment. Despite being initiated in 2021 to level the playing field, the budget cap increase may reintroduce disparities between teams. During the latest F1 Commission meeting, all teams except Sauber opposed the budget cap hike, prompting Komatsu to question the rationale behind FIA’s strong push for the change.
