Salaries in Formula 1: “They earn way too much”

Alpha Tauri team boss Franz Tost has spoken out in favor of a radical salary cap for drivers in Formula 1 in view of the corona crisis. “They make way too much money. No spectators are allowed, the FOM (Formula One Management; d.Red.) Makes less money, and the teams make less money. I see no reason why the drivers shouldn’t get less too “said Tost on Friday in Imola.

The 64-year-old Austrian added: “You should be happy that you have this job and that you also earn some money.” According to Tost, drivers’ salaries should be capped at ten million dollars; world champion Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel are currently earning a multiple.

For the coming season, a budget cap of 145 million dollars (equivalent to 124 million euros) per team will be introduced in Formula 1. The salaries of the pilots and the three top employees are excluded from this.

But this could change, this was discussed at least on Monday in Portimao / Portugal between the Formula 1 leadership, the world association FIA and the ten racing teams. According to this, the two regular drivers should be allowed to earn a maximum of 30 million dollars together from 2023 if it is a newly concluded contract.