Talking budget caps on TV tonight
I’ve been invited to appear on Sky News’s Sky.com programme tonight to talk about – what else? – the budget caps row.
If you’ve got Sky News tune in at 7pm tonight to see if I can explain budget capping, two-tiered regulations and FIA rules without confusing myself…
I’ve been on the programme a couple of time now and often get asked what fans make of the latest F1 row – so please share any thoughts you have on the subject either here or on this article: The FIA must not let its row with Ferrari become a split that would destroy F1
Do you think the budget capping plan is realistic? Can ehe FIA force through the controversial 2010 regulations? Are the manufacturers being genuine with their threat to quit? What would happen if F1 split?
I’m also appearing on another programme on BBC Radio Four next week – more on that later.
Jess said on 14th May 2009, 15:51
Hey Keith,
You had anohter interview sometime back. I dont get skynews (US)and I did not see you post it. Are you going to be able to post this one?
PJA said on 14th May 2009, 15:52
Good luck on Sky tonight.
I feel the budget row is another problem caused by the way the sport is run. The way that this and other issues have been handled by Max Mosley and the FIA gives me the impression one of two things to be case, either they are incapable of running F1 as it is now, or if as some suggest, that these are deliberate tactics being used by Mosley, which I think is even worse.
In any case I think the best thing that could happen to F1 is regime change, with Max and Bernie both retiring.
Budget capping can only work in F1 if everyone works out the details together, the teams and the FIA, not just Max dictating what he thinks should happen, and trying to make sure he gets his way by creating a two tier Formula One where the budget capped teams will be much faster.
I believe the manufactures’ threat to quit is genuine, but that they probably think a compromise will be reached in the end, which is what I think/hope, will happen.
Hallard said on 14th May 2009, 16:30
I think one thing that seems to be overlooked in this whole Ferrari vs FIA debacle (wow, havent heard anyone say “FIArrari in a while…) is that Ferrari’s F1 team constitutes a huge portion of their overal R&D efforts. So Max is basically telling them to cut research and development to the quick (and the headcount that comes with it) for a budget cap that CANT in reality be enforced. I certainly hope their quit threat is genuine. Wouldnt mind seeing the Scuderia return to sports prototype racing…
Patrickl said on 14th May 2009, 16:34
Yeah the currently proposed cut is so deep that they might as well close up shop completely.
Going from 400 milion to 40 milion is hardly worse than straight down to 0 milion.
Fredex said on 14th May 2009, 16:38
As a fan, I have no problem with the idea of a budget cap per se.
However, the premise of a two tier championship is awful. Furthermore, 40 million is far too low a number. Even if they were to start higher and parachute down to that figure. It is true that obscene amounts of money are currently spent. But, Formula 1 is supposed to be the pinnacle of motor sport and I can’t see it being the same on 40 million in today’s world. Somewhere nearer 100 could be acceptable. Even then, it should be in exchange for genuine freedom in design. Not just the right to more KERS and so on. Think how exciting it would be to see cars designed from the ground up having to adhere only to certain core rules to preserve key F1 features and safety.
One final thing of which I am certain: this whole incident has made it clearer than ever that Formula 1 needs fresh blood at the top. I have great respect for Ecclestone and the show he has created. I have some respect for Mosley. But I find myself often appalled at the way in which they manage the sport. Why on earth should Formula 1 continue to be considered a great sport if it is run in an apparently ad hoc and unfair manner? It makes a joke of motor racing.
SamS said on 14th May 2009, 16:45
Budget cap personally will be a good idea, to cut cost etc. it is time to reign in the big guns, and to b honest i wouldnt be upset to see renault go, i think that they have had their day. UNfortunately Keith i will miss have to go round the in laws!! Good Luck!
Kayleigh said on 14th May 2009, 16:45
Good luck Keith, I’ll be watching :-)
Most important: GET RID OF MAX MOSLEY!
Chalky said on 14th May 2009, 16:46
Which ones I’m ok with:
Budget Cap = Yes, if workable
2 Tier rules = No
F1 Split = No
Ferrari leave = Don’t mind either way
More technical freedom = Yes
Maybe better rules to reduce costs would be better than a budget cap and would be more workable to start with, like limiting the number of engineers a team can hire etc. Suddenly dropping to £40m is a big change.
Navs said on 14th May 2009, 17:00
The fundamental problem is that it’s too much too soon. (The FIA may be well aware of this and may be using this as an effective negotiation tactic).
John H said on 14th May 2009, 17:05
Good luck tonight. I’ll be another viewer!
My prediction on how this will end: £60m with 1 set of regulations kind of in-between the two-tier solution.
The teams are not going to budge, and although Max has a history of always forcing through what he wants, I think he’s going to end up easing back this time a little.
Dialectics is the word I believe.
Dave said on 14th May 2009, 17:13
I am in favour of the budget cap, but not in the way it is being introduced. You cannot expect the big teams to slash their budget in the space of 1 year, this should be gradually phased in.
I know there are teams waiting in the wings to join in but should we take in Prodrive, Team USA etc and let Ferrari, Toyota, Renault and Red Bull go? Absolutely not. Phase it in over a number of years, gradually reducing the max budget. This will keep the same regulations and specifications for all teams on the grid.
This two-tiered system is nonsense!
Sush Meerkat said on 14th May 2009, 18:51
Max is trying to split FOTA, united they stand still?
Dirk Gently said on 14th May 2009, 18:55
How about a gradual reduction. £70m for 2010 £60m for 2011 etc etc until £40m .. With no two tiered nonsense.
Noel said on 14th May 2009, 19:24
Just watched the segment surely by chance – it was Sky’s pictures of a Ferrari that made me realise I haven’t visited for a couple of days, and there you were!
Good job Keith – you’re a natural on TV!
Chalky said on 14th May 2009, 19:38
Well done Keith. At least they gave you time to talk tonight rather than cut you off short like the 1st time you were on.
Great job!
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 14th May 2009, 21:21
The chap who interview me (Matt) mentioned afterwards we’d got an extra minute, that’s the way these things go I guess.
Internet said on 14th May 2009, 19:40
Oops, missed it. Hope you upload the video Keith.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 14th May 2009, 21:17
Sorry I’ve not got a video recording card thing – will get one sorted soon for this kind of thing.