Trump’s new tariff policy is also causing uncertainty in Formula 1—teams and suppliers are watching developments with growing concern
Donald Trump’s return to the political stage is bringing not only political unrest but also economic uncertainty, especially in the area of international trade relations.
His announcements and measures already introduced regarding new or increased tariffs on imports, especially on strategically important raw materials and products from China, are also raising questions in Formula 1.
However, Peter Bayer, CEO of Racing Bulls, emphasizes that no dramatic effects are noticeable at present. “We’re not trading currencies at the moment!” he says with a wink.
“We have US-based sponsors who are analyzing the situation closely, but we don’t expect any major effects at this stage. There is simply a lot of uncertainty at the moment about what will actually happen – whether and to what extent these tariffs will really come into effect.”
Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur takes a similar view, but adds: ”We don’t just have US sponsors, we also have many US suppliers who in turn source raw materials from China. And that is precisely what is causing uncertainty.”
“We are in open dialogue with them and trying to anticipate any potential problems in advance – but it’s true: it could get complicated.”
Andy Cowell from Aston Martin also takes a cautious view of the situation: ‘The global economy is currently in turmoil. We are monitoring the situation closely and trying to respond accordingly. However, I think that things will settle down again over time.’
The background: Trump’s tariff policy
The background to this uncertainty is Trump’s recently intensified economic policy, which relies heavily on protectionist measures. On April 15, 2025, the US president announced that all imports of critical minerals – i.e., strategically important raw materials such as rare earths – would be reviewed. The aim is to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, especially from China.
One example of the immediate consequences of this policy is that US producer MP Materials has now stopped all shipments of rare earths to China. These raw materials are essential for high-tech industries – and therefore also for Formula 1, where many components are made of complex materials that are sourced through global supply chains.
Impact on the teams
The teams are facing uncertainty and potentially rising costs for materials, supplies, and transportation. In a sport where every gram counts and every component is often custom-made, even small disruptions in the supply chain can have a major impact.
What’s more, since the introduction of budget caps in Formula 1, teams have had to calculate more strictly than ever before. Their challenge now lies in adapting quickly to new conditions, whether in terms of materials, logistics, or costs.
It remains to be seen whether Trump’s tariffs will ultimately affect Formula 1 directly. However, the statements made by team bosses show how closely the premier class of motorsport is intertwined with global economic trends—and how strongly political decisions away from the racetrack influence its structures.
