Johnny Herbert believes that the current budget ceiling of $140 million should not be changed, even though some teams are asking for an increase.

In an attempt to control the rising costs in Formula One, a budget ceiling was established and came into effect in 2021. Having started at $145 million, it has been lowered to the current $140 million and will be reduced to $135 million in 2023.

However, some teams are calling for an increase in this year's budget ceiling, citing inflation and higher freight/transportation costs as the main reasons.

The teams with the biggest budgets, such as Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull, support an increase in the budget ceiling, while those with the smallest, such as Haas and Alfa Romeo, are rejecting the idea.

Speaking to , Herbert suggested that the rush of car development has been causing the complaints about the budget ceiling.

"The whole thing was to try to level the playing field and reduce costs in F1, and that's what's been done in recent years," Herbert said.

"The problem is that when you're trying to develop the cars, there's a big cost that goes into the budget ceiling. By spending too much, the ceiling will not be enough for you."

"So what will you want to do? You will try to increase it by saying 'well, we won't make it to the end of the season'."

Those who oppose the idea of a budget ceiling increase believe that the financial situation of all teams is still manageable.

Alfa Romeo boss Fred Vasseur has previously commented that teams should "turn off their wind tunnels," while Haas boss Gunther Steiner has categorically ruled out the possibility of his team losing races in 2022.

Herbert agrees that teams still have the power to control their budget throughout the season and called for the FIA to keep the current ceiling.

"For me, it's a money management race. There are many teams, like McLaren for example, that don't reach the $140 million ceiling. They stay well below, around $130 million. You just have to control that," Herbert added.

"Everyone knew the amount of money needed for the season: $140 million. Now, you need to be able to control that development program during the season."

"I believe that can only be a good thing. I don't think it should be changed in the middle of the year. Obviously, it will be a concern because they know they are approaching the ceiling very quickly. That just has to be managed in the right way."