The race for updates
In the summer months, the philosophical difference in terms of updates among the four big Formula 1 teams became clear. Ferrari and Red Bull are those that have brought new parts most consistently, while McLaren has accumulated substantial packages to introduce at certain moments of the season, and finally Mercedes seemed the team most ‘with hands tied’ due to the spending cap.
This marked difference led to a pointed back-and-forth between Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur in recent months.
Read more Alonso dismantles the myth of Monza: “With this F1 it is no longer the Temple of Speed”
Do McLaren and Ferrari still have money for updates?
On the sidelines of the Zandvoort race, Toto Wolff increased the pressure, hinting that McLaren does not have the funds for further developments.
Andrea Stella responded calmly: “We have managed our expenses with 2026 in mind, being well aware from the start that it would be a battle for development. We have carried on our work, selecting the projects on which to invest the budget to finance the developments brought in Hungary, in the Netherlands, here and for the rest of the year. In addition, there is an extra budget for 2027 and I think Mercedes will also use it, as I understand they will bring updates. Also, I understand that McLaren is smaller than Mercedes and therefore has lower labor costs, which we can allocate to updates.”
Read more Wolff: “Antonelli on the podium? No, we would have to take too much risk with the strategy”
Add FormulaPassion to your Favorite Sources on Google
In the press conference, Frederic Vasseur was asked the same thing, namely if Ferrari still had room in the budget cap for further developments: “I don’t want to make any comment on Toto’s spending cap. I don’t like it when someone talks about my budget without having the slightest idea. I won’t comment on others. But what I know is that we will continue to develop until the last race at the same pace and we will have a safety margin on the budget cap”.
Read more Wolff does not believe Gasly is a real threat: “In the race it will be a different story”
