Why the thumbs down? Nothing wrong with that - pretty refreshing these days actually, to see a young man not just going after the money. Sort of like a guy NOT ditching his wife of 10 years and 3 children just because he got famous and thinks he can do better.
Why does that matter? Didn't Ferrari get a 1-2 this past race? They obviously can win without Lewis. It always comes down to what kind of car you have, not driver.
Lewis always wanted to drive for McL, besides, Massa is making this more interesting now.....what with Alonso going off every corner and taking more chance than he ever has, and Kimi feeling the heat....LH is great where he is.
I thought it was that mysterious white powder aka detergent that made all the difference. Astonished in Aspen.
I think it is great he feels that way. I like the kid and he is good for the sport and racing in general. Time may change how he feels but for now he is showing his gratitude.
I'm in agreement with your statements. I really like Lewis - he appears to be a very greatful and thankful person and is definitely family oriented. He's very articulate and is a terrific spokesperson for McLaren. He's also a terrific role model for young upstart kids with racing potential. He's clean cut, conservative, very professional and bodes well in representating the team. In all his comments, he references his team. There a great Q&A with him on page 48 of the June F1 Racing magazine - also on page 20 with page full of neat photos on page 21. Really cute kid at age 8 in his kart with his trophy! Carol
What is he making per year over at McLaren? And what can he eventually make over at Ferrari? Just asking, so I know what he's turning down if Ferrari asks him.
$300K a year. He even said he doesn't want a raise ...yet. http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070705182121.shtml The big money will come in time for Hamilton Lewis Hamilton today poured cold water on rumours that his father-manager Anthony is seeking a mid-season pay-rise for his championship leading son. Reports this week suggested that, given Hamilton's stellar opening phase in his career featuring two wins and eight straight podiums, a clause in the 22-year-old's McLaren contract could allow for a renegotiation of his modest $300,000 deal. On the eve of his home race at Silverstone, however, Hamilton insisted that money does not motivate him. "It's never been something that's driven me to get to Formula One," he said. "If Ron (had) came up to me and said, 'I'll give you the drive but you're not going to get paid', any driver would have jumped at it. " The rumours had hinted at a 2007 top-up of up to $3 million for Hamilton, compared with team-mate Fernando Alonso's estimated $25m deal. Hamilton continued: "You want to be respected, and at some point you want to be paid your value, but that's not something that drives me."
i think hes making under $1million. dont know the exact figures but hes one of the lowest paid drivers in F1.
I find it amusing how some are over the board in love with Lewis. He is very good for sure but : -Villeneuve had a same 1st season. -Ferrari can still win with their *regular* pilots.
Andrew with all due respect, Villeneuve did not have the same season. The Williams was far ahead of the 96 Ferrari in addition, Damon Hill in no way had the talent of a Fernando Alonso. This guy is special, he doesn't get ruffled and he doesn't lose places (with the exception of 2 to 3rd to Kimi in Magny Cours at the first corner).
Will never happen. Money or not. He is McLaren's future. It's refreshing that he would be that loyal to the team.
Almost everyone has his price. A few years down the road, McLaren is in the dumps, isn't getting along with Dennis, etc. if the offer is good and can win with another team , he'll jump.
I'll bet Mclaren gives him substantialy more than his contract calls for in 2007 without him even asking. Why wouldn't they?
I would think he wouldn't even be allowed to leave unless Ron Dennis was willing to let him go. That this would ever happen is highly doubtful, but anything is possible. Dennis probably has a lifetime option on him
Come on guys how could he leave McLaren? ... the guy cannot think without his mentors around him. Yes he is great but he is not his own man, he is a product of the McLaren team ... thus just like the cars they make, he cannot leave, he probably has a McLaren chassis number tattooed on him somewhere. So I say again, take all that mentoring and holding hands away from him and he would not be looking as good ... he wouldn't even be doing a Jacques Villeneuve, which STILL was mighty impressive, ie. new team, grumpy unfriendly Frank to deal with AND ALL on his own as a man! If you guys cannot see how LH is a PRODUCT of the mighty McLaren empire and pschyco doctors/trainers then YOU have not been reading up on the guy. He is most definitely NOT a traditional rookie and has done more F1 targeted training than anybody on the grid PERIOD, probably more than MS ... in simulation with doctors brain washing him, dealing with his weaknesses, etc. Just imagine how good Senna, JV, Hakenin, MS, Alonso and just about on the grid would be with that training?. They would be unstopable. So sorry I can't rave about somebody who has an unsporting IMO advantage ... ofcourse he doesn't get ruffled, knows exactly what to do, he has been there and done that thousands of times under therapy. Nothing good for the future of the sport can come from removing personal flair and differences ... just boring robotic driving. Pete
As a manager I would give him a raise now. You want to reward good performance as close to the achievement as possible. Better to give him a little now and more later than more later in one lump. Just my opinion from managing people who are outstanding performers.
One meeting with McL's major sponsors. Do you want this kid to be happy and content, because it will keep him focused and fast? Yes we do. Give him $5 million for services rendered so far in 2007. This is not Danica Patrick, this is a worldwide marketing miracle.
