Brown optimistic about F1's cost cap plans

Zak Brown thinks that F1's cost cap plans marks a good opportunity for his McLaren team.

McLaren boss Zak Brown is feeling optimistic about his side's chances of being able to compete with the bigger and richer teams in Formula 1, such as Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull.

Formula 1's bosses are still negotiating the cost cap that is set to be introduced.

McLaren have just gone through a big managerial restructure due to issues behind the scenes that has led to their poor performances on the track.

Racing director Eric Boullier resigned, leading Gil de Ferran to take up the role as sporting director.

The planned cost cap will be $150m a year starting from 2021, something that will allow the smaller outfits to compete with the likes of the top three in the constructors' standings, Brown hopes.

"We welcome the cost cap. We had a very productive meeting with Formula 1," Brown told Crash.net.

"I do think the current direction of travel in F1, if not changed, is a very difficult environment for independent racing teams. Now what you have is Mercedes and Ferrari, who have two other team affiliations.

"Fortunately, Liberty (Media, F1's owners) is going to change that direction in due course which gives us optimism for our future."