The cost of success: Big three F1 giants are also biggest spenders

Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull were the three most successful teams in the Formula One world championship in 2018, spending more money that the other seven teams combined.

According to journalist Dieter Rencken, who each year collates the financial figures for Racefans.net, the cost of keeping two cars on track in the championship is around 100 million euros.

Worried by spiralling costs, F1 will impose a budget ceiling of $150 million from 2021.

Team budgets in 2018:
1. Ferrari (2nd in constructors championship) -- $410 million (361 million euros) total 950 employees + 480 in engine department
2. Mercedes (1st)
-- $400 million (352 million euros) total 950 employees + 500 in engine department
3. Red Bull (3rd)
-- $310 million (272 million euros)
860 employees
Should benefit in 2019 from sister team Toro Rosso and common engine supplier Honda
4. McLaren (6th)
-- $220 million (194 million euros) 760 employees
Supported by Middle East investors but despite losing Fernando Alonso for the new season, will benefit from various new sponsors one of which is British American Tobacco through their projet "A better tomorrow"
5. Renault (4th) -- $190 million (167 million euros) 680 employees + 300 in engine department Strategic partnership of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi but overshadowed by the Carlos Ghosn affair
6. Toro Rosso (9th) -- $150 million (132 million euros) 460 employees
Should benefit in 2019 from its sister team Red Bull and common engine supplier Honda
8. Alfa Romeo Racing (ex-Sauber) (8th) -- $135 million (119 million euros) 400 employees
Haas (5th)
-- $130 million (115 million euros)
250 employees
Will benefit in 2019 from a title sponsor, energy drinks manufacturer Rich Energy
10. Racing Point (ex-Force India) (7th)
-- $120 million (105 million euros)
405 employees