Williams Boss: F1 Cost Cap Has Created ‘Two-Tier’ Grid

Williams team principal James Vowles has criticised Formula 1's cost cap, arguing it has created a 'two-tier' grid despite achieving financial sustainability. Vowles stated that two of the three key goals of the cost cap — sporting equity and field compression — have failed, with the top four teams (Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull) holding a clear performance advantage over the rest. The operational cost cap is set at a base of $215 million for 2026, but Vowles believes it has inadvertently locked in competitive advantages for established top teams since its introduction in 2021.