Red Bull’s Max Verstappen believes it will take a few years for the 2021 budget cap to have an effect, saying that the best teams are “ahead of the game”.
Teams will be limited to spending $ 175 million per season starting in 2021 as part of new F1 regulations aimed at making Formula 1 more competitive and sustainable, although there are some exceptions such as driver and driver salaries senior executives.
But Verstappen does not expect an immediate impact on the order of the teams – already Ferrari has confirmed that it had significantly increased its budget to compete in 2020 while developing its car for 2021.
And the Ducth believes their ability to do so, along with Mercedes and Red Bull who complete the dominant F1 trio, means that the best teams are ahead on the rest of the grid for 2021.
“I don’t think it will make a big difference, as most teams are already investing heavily in 2021 cars. The big teams can invest more, so they will have a head start in the New Year. It may take a few years to see a difference.” Verstappen said.
This year was to post a record 22 race calendar, and it could still happen if the Chinese GP is postponed, but Verstappen hopes there will be no more races added, he believes it is important to have one more “Life outside of Formula 1”.
“I think the current number of races is correct. I would not want to do any more, because we are already far from home,” Verstappen said.
“It’s not just the races, but everything in between. That’s why I don’t want to do Grand Prix anymore. Not because I don’t like it, but because it will be too busy. I think it’s important to be able to live outside of Formula 1.” Verstappen added.
Verstappen is considered the most likely young challenger, alongside Charles Leclerc, for the dominant reign of Lewis Hamilton over F1.
The six-time world champion is increasingly involved in projects outside the series, and Verstappen was asked if he wanted to take a similar route, even though he was only 22 years old.
“Slowly but it depends on your hobbies. Mine are still racing. In this regard, I mainly stay in the same world.” Verstappen said.
