Ferrari / Red Bull Resign From FOTA (And What It Could Mean)

Early Friday the Formula One fans around the world learned that two of the top teams left the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA). Both teams announced in released statements that it was in concerns with the row over the Resource Restriction Agreement (RRA).

With both Ferrari and Red Bull pulling out of the FOTA, it is a clear indicator that both teams are concerned that they are over the RRA. What is puzzling is that there are 12 teams in the paddock each weekend and only two of those twelve are concerned about over spending?

Understandably, these teams may have more personal as well as more of their budget placed on the cars before the season even starts. But then again, so does McLaren.

Formula One is an expensive sport but with teams resigning from the FOTA (and with doing so resigning from the RRA) it's only set to get more expensive for everyone. Yes, Red Bull and Ferrari are able to cope with the expenses but if you are to give teams no spending cap, there will be no limit to what they can do.

The idea gives fans a whole new spectacle to witness race weekends. Seeing the top teams at their finest. On the other hand, the smaller teams will be at a disadvantage. To many, Marussia Racing is not really a talking point. Being so new within the paddock, only the hardiest of fans may be upset to see them go. If you let the top teams extend their fiances without limits, we will lose these smaller teams. Essentially, the future of the sport.

Ferrari: "Ferrari will continue to work with the other teams to make the current RRA, aimed at controlling costs, more effective and efficient, modifying it to make it more stringent in key areas such as aerodynamics, to rebalance some aspects such as testing and to expand it to areas currently not covered such as engines."

Red Bull: "Red Bull Racing can confirm it has served notice to withdraw from FOTA. The team will remain committed to finding a solution regarding cost saving in Formula One." 

• Resource Restriction Agreement (RRA) puts limit on the number of personnel they can have and how much they can spend over the course of a season.

• The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) is a group of Formula One teams that was formed in Maranello on 29 July 2008. This organization gives the teams a united voice in their ongoing discussions with the FIA and The Formula One Group regarding the future of Formula One.