In the round-up: Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says the combination of the budget cap and high inflation will make decisions about when to introduce upgrades even harder.
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In brief
Inflation and budget cap limiting upgrade options at Red Bull
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto recently suggested Red Bull will not be able to sustain their recent rate of updates due to the budget cap.
Horner said teams were already working within financial constraints, especially with relatively high inflation, when it came to deciding when to introduce upgrades this year.
“I think with the budget cap this year it’s very hard to bring continuous development,” he said. “So you’ve got to strategically pick where you want to introduce your components, especially with inflation the way it is.”
Concerns about the rising costs of logistics were a factor behind the decision not to replace this year’s Russian Grand Prix.
Alpine announce title sponsorship for French Grand Prix
Alpine will be the title sponsor of this year’s French Grand Prix. A special grandstand will be dedicated to celebrate home driver Esteban Ocon.
Last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix winner said it was a proud moment for he and his family. “To have a grandstand named after you at your home race is an absolute privilege and one I never thought I would have when I started racing,” said Ocon.
“Every time I go past I will think of what it means; for every young racer in that stand and watching at home it shows what you can do if you put your mind to it and take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way.”