Wolff Praises McLaren: F1 Budget Cap Impact | Magazine F1

Would McLaren have won their championships even if the budget cap had not been introduced in 2021? According to Toto Wolff, papayas could have a problem if such giants as Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari could pour hundreds of millions of dollars into their development. According to him, however, the budget ceiling has ensured that the best team wins again in the unit.

The traditional British stable managed to win two constructors’ titles in a row, while in 2025 they also added the equestrian title to it. In the past era, something like this would not have been easy at all, if Red Bull, after its dominance, could inject money into development practically without restrictions.

Ferrari could do the same, but the same goes for Mercedes. In the past, these top teams enjoyed three times the budgets of the stables behind them. If Mercedes had money like it used to, it would probably be able to “buy out” of problems.

“When the budget cap was introduced, we were aware of it,” he said Toto Wolff still in December. “But it wasn’t just about the commercial side, it was about getting more equality between the teams. It wasn’t always about the same ones just out-spending the rest.”

“Would we be able to buy our way out of that? Look at Red Bull and Ferrari, they have the same financial capabilities and opportunities as us. Again, it would end up being an arms race and McLaren might not be able to fight us directly at the front.” thought the head of Mercedes.

McLaren managed an unprecedented turnaround. Even at the beginning of 2023, his drivers occupied the last ranks, and in less than two seasons they lifted the constructors’ trophy above their heads. Initially, they were also helped by the limits on the development of aerodynamics and CFD simulations, but otherwise they had the same conditions as the other top teams.

“Now it’s basically a meritocracy. The best man in the best machine wins. That wasn’t us,” he admitted Wolff.