Ferrari 'in denial' over F1 budget cap discussions, claim McLaren

McLaren boss Zak Brown

McLaren team principal Zak Brown is "almost at a loss" at Ferrari's opposition to a reduced budget cap in Formula One, claiming the Italian giants are "living in denial".

The proposed budget cap is set to be introduced for the 2021 season and has already been decreased amid the coronavirus pandemic.

McLaren are among teams hoping to see the figure drop further to $100million, yet Ferrari are opposed to the latest suggested changes.

Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto told the Guardian this week that this was "not the time to react in a hurry" as these decisions are made.

These comments prompted a bemused response from Brown, who suggests F1 does indeed need to rush in order to protect the sport's future.

"I'm almost at a loss at what you say to that," Brown told reporters.

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"I think we all recognise that, in modern times, we are going through the biggest crisis the world has seen. You have countries shut down, industries shut down.

"To not be in a hurry to address what's going on, I think, is a critical mistake.

"It's living in denial, and I think you would find pretty much every president or prime minister or CEO around the world was operating in a hurry to tackle this issue head-on.

"To take our time, I think, is a very poor leadership strategy."

The 2020 F1 season is yet to get under way amid the global crisis, with all events up until the French Grand Prix on June 28 - which also appears likely to be pushed back - postponed or cancelled.