Formula One's governing body has put 2026 entrants Audi on a more level playing field compared to rivals by introducing a cost cap offset to take into account higher wages in Switzerland.

Formula 1 is to adjust its budget cap from 2026 to offset the costs of teams that operate in countries with higher salary levels, BBC Sport has learned.The move will help Audi’s attempts to become competitive when it enters F1 officially in just over a year’s time.

With Audi's full ownership of the Sauber team now in place, and its official F1 entry planned for 2026, team bosses have successfully argued for an increased budget allowance, citing Switzerland's significantly higher wage bills compared to other countries.

Audi will be allowed to spend more under Formula 1’s budget cap provisions from 2026. Bosses at the Sauber team, now 100 percent owned

"Fundamentally unfair" situation for Sauber regarding higher living costs in Switzerland has been addressed by the FIA