No team on the Formula 1 grid is happy with the compromise struck over the cost cap row, according to Toto Wolff.
A budget cap was introduced for the first time this season, but it quickly became clear that it was going to be difficult for most teams to comply. A huge increase in energy bills and inflation has added to the problem, with many teams already admitting that it would be impossible to stay within budget.
In response, F1 chiefs begrudgingly agreed to a marginal increase to £121.33m for the season but still there is unrest, says Wolff, because the big teams feel it is not enough and the smaller teams wanted no increase at all.
Because there is that balance, though, and because there are no teams given too much of an unfair advantage as a result of the cap rise, the Mercedes chief suggested it might have been the best possible outcome. In reaction to the increased cap, Wolff said: "Too little for the big teams I guess because energy prices and inflation are skyrocketing but too much for the small teams. No-one is happy and I guess that is a good outcome."
Along with Mercedes, the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari were the ones leading the calls for more breathing room when it came to acceptable spending for this season. And Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto is just pleased that a compromise was finally reached and that, as a result, they have a little more room to manoeuvre.
"It was positive because we took a decision," said the Italian. "In the last F1 Commission, we discussed a lot without any decision. In terms of timing, we were borderline – some teams were already in breach of the budget gap for the year and at least to find a compromise was important.
"Thanks to the smallest teams because they have been comprehensive and constructive. Certainly, as a big team you are always looking for more but this compromise is enough to give us a breath."
Guenther Steiner was one of those opposed, particularly as his Haas team's budget for the year is nowhere near the cap anyway. He voted in favour of the compromise, but feels the cap should not be allowed to increase further as he believes it has contributed to closer and more exciting racing this season.
"There's a lot of racing going on, and I think that's down also to the cost cap. We have created a successful rule and we shouldn't go away from the principle," he added. "It should not be the intention to go back to the good old days, where just who's got more money is going to win and then take the championship away."
