2023 F1 Season Financial Strain: Logan Sargeant Tops Damage Cost List at $4.33 Million
The 2023 F1 season witnessed a substantial financial impact due to on-track incidents, with Logan Sargeant incurring the highest damage costs at $4.33 million. This season’s cost cap has put a spotlight on the financial consequences of each crash and repair.
Key Takeaways:
- Logan Sargeant’s High Costs: Williams rookie Logan Sargeant led the damage cost list with $4.33 million. His frequent crashes underscore the financial challenges faced by teams under the new cost cap.
- Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez’s Expensive Seasons: Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez also faced high repair costs, with incidents like Sainz’s Las Vegas Grand Prix crash and Perez’s Mexican Grand Prix mishap significantly affecting their teams’ finances.
- Max Verstappen’s Exceptional Record: In stark contrast, Max Verstappen recorded the lowest damage at $345,000, completing every race of the season, a rare feat in F1 history.




The 2023 Formula 1 season has been as challenging for the teams’ accountants as it has been for the drivers on the track. With the introduction of a cost cap, every incident resulting in car damage has become a critical financial issue.
Williams driver Logan Sargeant emerged as the most expensive driver in terms of crash damages for the season, amounting to nearly $4 million. This figure not only reflects Sargeant’s struggles on the track but also highlights the significant financial implications for the Williams team. In a statement, team boss James Vowles noted, “He will always remain a part of our academy. We are not in a position to confirm [Logan’s seat] just at this point in time. I’m proud of the steps he’s made across this year.”
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari also found himself at the higher end of the damage spectrum. His noteworthy incident at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where his car struck a raised drain cover, resulted in substantial repair costs. This unforeseen expense adversely affected Ferrari’s chances in the Constructors’ Standings.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, despite finishing second in the Driver Standings, had his share of costly errors. His dramatic exit in the Mexican Grand Prix epitomized the financial and emotional toll of on-track mistakes. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, while satisfied with Perez’s overall performance, emphasized the need for better qualifying results.
In contrast to his peers, Max Verstappen’s impeccable record of finishing every race with the least amount of damage costs showcased his extraordinary reliability and skill. This achievement, previously only held by Lewis Hamilton in 2019 and Michael Schumacher in 2002, highlights the importance of consistency in the sport.
The introduction of the cost cap in Formula 1 has reshaped team strategies. Every dollar spent on repairs is a dollar less for development and other crucial team operations. This financial constraint has led teams to prioritize driver training and simulation programs to minimize on-track errors and their expensive consequences. The adage ‘to finish first, first you have to finish’ rings truer than ever in this new financial era of Formula 1.