Wolff sounds alarm over budget cap hit from Middle East GP cancellations

Formula 1 is not only facing an unplanned break but is also being forced to reassess its financial outlook, now working with a calendar shortened by two races and the impact that will have on revenues.

The conflict in the Middle East, beyond affecting the sport’s finances, also risks driving up freight and travel costs — a factor already taken into account by the Mercedes team principal.

Speaking to GPblog among other media, Wolff explained that all key variables are already built into the team’s forecasts, including potential worst-case scenarios such as travel disruptions and rising freight costs.

He also warned of potential ripple effects on hosting fees and sponsorship, noting that while the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are already accounted for, there is hope the situation will settle and return to normal, limiting any further impact on the sport.

Speaking to media, including GPblog, the Austrian made it clear that ADUO upgrades should only allow struggling teams to close the gap to the front, not leapfrog their rivals.

He stressed that any decision to grant ADUO must be handled with absolute precision, clarity and transparency, warning that such measures could have a significant impact on performance and even the championship if not managed correctly.

Wolff also underlined that there should be no room for gamesmanship in the process, insisting it must be applied in the right spirit, with the governing body acting fairly while teams maintain their own performance assessments.

He added that, in his view, only one engine manufacturer is currently facing real difficulties and requires support, while the rest are broadly operating within a similar performance window.