James Vowles says Formula 1's cost cap creates a two-tier championship that penalizes midfield teams.

Williams team boss James Vowles launched a strong critique of Formula 1's cost cap system during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, arguing it has created a "two-tier championship" that widens the gap between top teams and the rest.

Vowles presented statistics showing the top four teams scored 83 percent of points in the five years since the cost cap was introduced, compared to 70 percent in the previous 15 years. Podium appearances by teams outside the top four dropped from 10 percent to 5 percent.

The Williams boss explained that midfield teams are caught in a "cost cap trap" where they must spend millions on basic systems rather than car performance. He estimated spending roughly 30 percent more than top teams to build a competitive car due to inefficiencies.

Vowles proposed solutions linked to championship position or points that would allow struggling teams to invest in infrastructure without removing the financial sustainability the cost cap has created. Ferrari's Fred Vasseur noted the windtunnel restrictions already provide a sliding scale based on championship standings.