Toto Wolff wants the FIA to lift the salary cap on junior staff: “We need to pay them better”
The Formula 1 cost cap did exactly what it was supposed to do: it brought the grid closer together and stopped the massive factory teams from simply outspending their problems. But while the on-track product is undeniably tighter, the financial squeeze behind the scenes is starting to take a human toll. During the Free Practice 3 broadcast at the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, Sky Sports F1 pundit…
Toto Wolff wants the FIA to increase the salary cap on junior staff at Formula 1 teams due to the financial strain caused by the cost cap. Wolff explained that the cap is forcing teams to push parts to their mileage limits, leading to a high number of engine penalties. He also mentioned that some chassis need to be discarded, which is a sad reality.
Wolff noted that all teams are under pressure, including Williams, due to the financial impact of the cost cap. The Mercedes boss revealed that Mercedes had lobbied the FIA to address this issue, specifically to allow for better salaries for junior staff. Wolff expressed his desire to see an increase in the allowance for paying junior personnel better, as the cost cap suppresses their salaries.
However, the proposal to the FIA was ultimately unsuccessful, leaving junior staff members at various teams to continue working under the existing financial constraints.
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