F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Grosjean: 'Unacceptable' for Hamilton to earn $40m a year

Romain Grosjean labeled as "unacceptable" the extreme level of Lewis Hamilton's $40 million retainer at Mercedes, but the Frenchman admits that capping driver salaries could impact young drivers' careers.

The idea of including driver salaries in Formula 1's budget cap or restricting the level of contracts has been debated by drivers within the Grand Prix Drivers Association, of which Grosjean is a director.

But the group was hard pressed to find a consensus on the touchy subject.

While one would perhaps expect for such stratospheric wages to be dismissed on a moral or equality basis during these difficult times, drivers rather argued that capping salaries could have repercussions on young driver programs.

"We had this talk in the GPDA," said Grosjean. "some were in favour, others were against.

"I do think it's unacceptable that Lewis Hamilton earns more than 40 million while some drivers earn €150,000 a year for the same job.

"However, what was pointed out was that if we cap drivers' salaries, we break the whole ladder of motorsport.

"Who would invest money in young driver programmes to pay for their racing if they can't get their money back by taking a percentage of the drivers' high wages? That's the debate."

One could argue that no one on the current grid does "the same job" as Hamilton, as Grosjean says, for few are those who have the same skills as the Briton.

Furthermore, it is believed that only Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo enjoy mega deals that approach the level of Hamilton's contract with Mercedes, although Max Verstappen's income from Red Bull will eventually swell eventually to similar levels.

But Grosjean sees a salary cap as a deterrent for those, individuals or manufacturers, investing in young talent.

"Personally, I wasn't necessarily against the idea of having drivers' salaries in the budget cap," added the Haas driver.

"But then, for sure, you would question what manufacturer or manager would come and spend a fortune on a driver only to take back 20% of something that is capped, so never get their money back…"

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

11 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

12 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

14 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

15 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

17 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

18 hours ago