Red Bull racing advisor Dr Helmut Marko believes the drivers of today are overpaid as the sport is no longer as dangerous or challenging as it has been in the past.
We revealed what each driver would earn in the 2016 season back in January, the highest paid drivers being Hamilton, Vettel and Alonso all of whom earn more than £25 million per year. With this in mind, it’s easy to understand where Dr Marko is coming from, speaking to SportBild he didn’t hold back on making his feelings felt.
“Basically, the drivers of today are definitely overpaid.”
“Two reasons: First, there is only now a small risk of a serious accident or fatality. And second, young top talents like Verstappen or Wehrlein can easily take these current cars around tracks for 100 laps without effort.
“Previously, even a Vettel had to take breaks because he was not used to the high forces. This means that the cars are easier to drive and the drivers are doing less.”
With the commercial powerhouse Formula One has become and the gulf in prize money for a few positions it won’t be long until we see some drivers earning upwards of £50 million a year in order for teams to ensure they have the very best performers. Whether this is acceptable is a cause for much debate but driver’s salaries will only continue to increase year on year.
