I don't race anymore. Not for the last 20 years. But I do have some experience, if a bit dated. If your focus is development, than it seems like your spending should reflect that. When the good racers move on to other teams, then it seems you have done your development job.

As I see it, you say your mission is development but your budget says otherwise. You'll either have to revisit your mission, or revisit your budget.

Best of luck to you and your team.