Teams face scrutiny from FIA with new TD45 directive on non-F1 activities

Information from Supercars, like RB17 & AMR Valkyrie, theoretically can boost F1’s development.

Red Bull vs Aston Martin (Credits: autocar.co.uk)

The FIA has issued a new directive, TD45, to regulate outside sporting interests for teams. The governing body has identified four teams that have drawn their attention. The purpose of TD45 is to oversee activities beyond Formula 1, such as boat, bicycle, and road car design, which could potentially exploit a loophole. This allows teams to transfer personnel to these projects.

This transfer would exempt them from the F1 budget cap. However, the FIA is concerned about the valuable knowledge that could be gained from these ventures and their potential impact on Formula 1 design. For instance, Mercedes and Red Bull are actively involved in the America’s Cup. Recently, James Allison returned to Mercedes as the technical director after overseeing the INEOS Britannia outfit. Red Bull is also highly engaged in the realm of bicycle design.

Meanwhile, Ferrari achieved remarkable success at the latest 24 Hours of Le Mans due to seamless collaboration between their racing and GT divisions. These projects fall outside the purview of the F1 budget cap. This will prompt the FIA to scrutinize them further and seek additional clarification from these three teams.

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Also read: FIA set to interrogate non-F1 personnel to expose cost cap violations

Red Bull asserts knowledge transfer is only possible from F1-to-hypercar

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner (Image credit: FIA)

Supercars, such as the RB17 and AMR Valkyrie, can potentially serve as valuable development aids for Formula 1. Red Bull puts forth the argument that the flow of information between Formula 1 and hypercars is unidirectional. Knowledge and technology primarily transferred from F1 to the hypercar sector.

Furthermore, Red Bull emphasizes that these communication channels are closely monitored and regulated by the FIA, ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations of the sport. By utilizing the advancements and innovations derived from Formula 1, hypercar manufacturers can enhance their designs and engineering capabilities.

F1 teams caught breaking the cost cap rules should be given sporting sanctions rather than financial penalties, says championship CEO Stefano Domenicali ?

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The expertise gained from Formula 1 can be leveraged to create high-performance road cars with cutting-edge technologies and aerodynamic features. This exchange of ideas and technologies between the two domains enables cross-pollination and pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering.

Aston Martin and Red Bull have faced penalties due to budget restrictions, so they will want to avoid any more problems. Ferrari and Mercedes are locked in competition to recover from their string of poor performances. It is crucial for both teams not to lose further ground as they are determined to regain their previous status.