How much are Lauda and Wolff getting paid?

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It was announced yesterday that Mercedes AMG F1 boss Toto Wolff and non-executive chairman Niki Lauda had extended their contracts with the Silver Arrows manufacturer.

Germany's Bild has published just how lucrative those contracts appear to be for the Mercedes headmen.

According to Bild, Niki Lauda has been contracted for four years at a cost of 2 million euros a year, including all bonuses.

The F1 legend also owns a 10% holding in the team which was offered to him by Mercedes as a sign-on bonus in 2012.

Wolff, who has been at the helm since 2013 and owns 30% of the team, will allegedly earn 3.5 million euros this year.

Needless to say, the respective salaries of the two men probably exceed the retainers paid to most drivers racing in the mid-field.

It's estimated that Mercedes tied down the pair for about a fifth of what it would have cost to pay Nico Rosberg, had the reigning world champion stayed on to defend his title.

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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.