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Two prominent F1 chiefs disagree over the issue of whether formula one drivers are grossly overpaid. It is believed top stars like Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel earn dozens of millions of dollars per season, which according to Red Bull official Dr Helmut Marko is excessive.
"Basically, the drivers of today are definitely overpaid," he told Germany's Sport Bild. "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," Marko added.
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F1 legend, triple world champion and Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda, however, does not agree with his Austrian countryman. "The drivers do not earn too much," he said. "We mustn't forget what (income) formula one generates every year, and how much the drivers contribute to that," Lauda added. (GMM)
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Login to replykhasmir
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That's not the drivers fault, it's the fault of the teams who are willing to pay so much to have the best drivers. And then you have drivers who actually have to pay (sponsor) money to drive. So on average I don't think it's that bad, and there still is a significant risk. Saying such things shows little respect for the risk the drivers are talking. How do you think Jules his family would think about such statements?
Football players are so much worse, they get paid millions to kick a ball and then run after it... But again, that is also the fault of the teams willing to pay them so much because in the end it's a matter of supply and demand.