Formula 1's smaller teams are really struggling with the additional costs of splitting development between 2016 and 2017 cars, according to Sauber team manager Beat Zehnder.
With an agreement in place to dramatically change the way the cars look with wider tyres, wings and chassis, as well as larger diffusers, teams are having to split resources to ensure they don't slip behind and allow their competitors to get a head start.
That, according to Zehnder, is a huge financial burden for a team which is already struggling.
"We've been in a more comfortable situation," said Zehnder. "We have financial difficulties, it's not a secret, but the good thing is we are still around.
"We're working hard to solve all the problems, but it's not easy," he admitted. "An annual budget this year is a massive one and to cover it by sponsors and the income from Bernie [Ecclestone] is just not sufficient at the moment."
Sauber have already confirmed they will miss the first in-season test of the season and have also confirmed news that employee wages have been delayed more than once, with a sponsor stepping in to cover the shortfall.
"The financial impact [for '17] is massive and for a small team like Sauber it's really difficult," he added.
"It's not only the cars and not being able to carry over parts from one year to the other, it's the list of investments you have to make starting with tyre heating blankets and… and… and…
"We're talking about millions and millions here, so for a smaller team it's really a difficult time."
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