Christian Horner has argued that the new budget cap could “wreak havoc” on F1, as freight fees and delays escalate amidst an already “saturated” F1 calendar. 

Excluding driver salaries, each Formula 1 team has a budget cap of $140 million this year. 

With increasing freight costs and delays due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, The Red Bull principal told reporters, “It’s a big challenge.” 

“We have a very complicated calendar and there are very tight timescales, and with some of the triple-headers, and double-headers coming up late in the year, obviously losing freight for a period of time could wreak havoc,” Horner said. 

An estimated 2,000 tonnes of freight is delivered to the racetracks throughout the season.

F1 Team HAAS has already been stung by the issue, missing Day 1 of pre-season testing in Bahrain due to complications.

Horner predicts: “Inflation looks like it could hit record amounts.”

“We’re seeing that impact already on things like air freight just to this event. 

“I think it’s a very serious problem that we have to look at and address because this has a one to one impact on people’s jobs and livelihood,” Horner said. 

Amongst other teams, the revised budget cap forced Red Bull to cut staff earlier this year. 

Compounding on the problem, Horner says, is the revised 2022 calendar, packed with a record of 23 races. 

The Concorde Agreement between the teams and the sport allows for up to 24 races per season, however, teams have spoken out about the immense strain and pressure this has placed on the sport. 

Quoted by Motorsport-total, Horner said, “With 23 races you have already reached saturation point.”

“Maybe you have to think again about a few other races on the calendar,” The Red Bull boss said. 

McLaren team boss Zak Brown also said that F1 should consider limiting its calendar, rotating races each year in order to keep the schedule sustainable. 

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz added: “In the end, some races will have to pay the price and be out.”

“Hopefully we can find a compromise where races that can’t afford it every year are at least on the calendar every two or three years,” Carlos said.