Abiteboul: "Mercedes has no problem with Racing Point copying them"

During the winter test in Barcelona there was a team that seemed to make a big jump. The expectations of the Racing Point were that they would ride in midfield, but after the winter test in Spain they are estimated to be the clear fourth team behind the three top teams. The Racing Point resembles the Mercedes and was described by many as the 'pink Mercedes'. However, Cyril Abiteboul expects such collaborations to be less common after 2021.

He explains that to Motorsport.com. "We're going to get a reasonably low budget cap now and that makes the field much more competitive. I am very curious what will happen with all the collaborations". With the collaborations Abiteboul refers to Red Bull Racing with AlphaTauri and for example Ferrari with Haas. "These collaborations would worry us if we didn't have a budget cap and if the current ratios are maintained."

Teams are closer together

However, because the budget cap will be introduced, the entire field will be closer together. According to Renault's team boss, this will ensure that less information is exchanged. "At the moment Mercedes has no problem with Racing Point copying their car. It doesn't matter if it's legal or not, at least they don't have a problem giving Racing Point a hand". Abiteboul expects this to be different after 2022.

He expects that because of the equal budgets there will be more competition in F1. "Everyone is going to be a threat to everyone. In the current construction with collaborating customers and manufacturers, the three biggest teams will be protected and in the future they will lack protection against the smaller teams". Abiteboul expects a lot of spectacle on the track with the new rules. "In the end the fans will be the big winner", he concludes.