Doubtful any driver on the grid would drive for minimal base plus commish. Definitely doesn't sound like Hulk would, based on previous contact offer reports.
IIRC Hulkenberg ('s management?) demanded near 20m last time Ferrari spoke to them. Dunno. If Ferrari offered 50K per point earned, 10m is a pretty realistic aim to earn.
That was probably to protect teams with a single entry. Before teams didn't have to enter 2 cars. I think that system was fairer than what we have now, where a dominating teams accumulate a huge number of points with constant 1-2 finishes.
It's better to have a fixed retainer than being paid on results. Just ask Kimi about his Lotus experience!!
How much of the drivers' salary is Ferrari in fact paying? In the past Marlboro, Santander and other sponsors picked up that tab.
I understand that Lotus has settled with Kimi since. I bet he told his manager/lawyer to be more careful with his Ferrari contract.
Took a very, very long time, though. Ferrari is different as the company has money, Lotus was in huge debt which kept on growing...
I have learnt over the years that the late-payers and the bad debtors are not necessarily those lacking funds or with cash flow problems. For some (government departments included), it's just standard practise to delay payments long after they are due.
The problem is, it's a gamble. If the 2016 is as competitive against the MB as it is this year (so far) it could be worth it. But, Ferrari would have to do the hard-sell behind closed-doors to make such an offer (and, likely, divulging any secrets they have for next yers's car) to prospective drivers. McLaren was in a position with Alonso where they probably had no better option, where-as Ferrari likely do not have to present themselves as subserviently. IMO, Ferrari need to invest in young (un-proven) talent NOW. Max would be my choice. If he doesn't develop into the next Vettel/Alonso/Hamilton within 5 years, just buy the guy who did. It has never been against Ferrari to pay for talent. It is just better, IMO, to buy it earlier/cheaper and make him tailor-made to the organization.
You got that righ and I agree wholeheartedly with what you said here! It's time for Ferrari to scout lower categories and bring up new talents, instead of relying on established drivers that are often more expensive and sometimes ... past their best.
Easy, now, Bill! We do finally agree on something. However, I do still believe Kimi is the right man for the job at the moment. Frankly, I think there is another year we can milk from him yet. His talents are immense, but can he be effectively managed is the question. I have seen highly-talented employees let-go because of poor management too many times. In the end, the business suffered, not the employee.... Kimi has at least 1 more year with Ferrari. How he is handled during that time is unknown. But, the time is now to secure Ferrari's future driving talent.
+1 Max would be a fantastic option (and I'm not saying that because I'm Dutch, I'm not very patriotic!). I still just don't see it. I don't think he's an improvement over Raikkonen and who knows, maybe he'll get all angry because he won't ''get the same equipment'' (opinions become louder in top teams), or whatever excuse. I think his management won't let him drive for Ferrari for peanuts, and Kimi will probably agree to a lower base salary, so they'll be roughly at the same salary. I don't see an improvement. Kimi is the #2 in the team, Vettel is there to win the titles. Kimi just has to back him up. I do agree time is running out though. 2 poor GP's and a timing mistake aren't ideal (though at Silverstone he drove a great race, especially compared to Vettel).
Kimi is no longer functioning as an ideal number 2 though. He just got passed in the standings by a Williams and is not consistent. Hulkenburg would be quicker than Kimi (given kimis form of late ) and he is consistent. He rarely makes mistakes and would be an ideal points grabber for the team. Also cheaper than kimi. Kind of hard to judge kimis form because his team mates over the last few years have been some of the best in the field. I'm making the assumption he's about mid pack at the moment
I dont get why every team doesn't pay this way. Regardless of who's driving I'm a fan of compensating based on performance and incentivizing a good drive.
Since Marchionne is one of the most greedy guys I have ever seen, I won't be surprised if this kid get the second Ferrari seat in a year or two: Billionaire?s 16-year-old son storms Canada ? Daily Times Nigeria Newspaper
Unless he pays Ferrari 100m a year for a seat it won't happen. Stroll is a fairly quick lad (but not the quickest, barely making podiums) and crashes a lot. Already has a ban to his name.
I have no doubts he will make his way into an f.1 car.....very much doubt a good one...but with so much money who knows!!
Yap, i remenber that quote...great one.....although Ross Brawn, Frank Williams, Ron Dennis seem to be richer now then when they started!!!
Does not sound like from Hulk he has overt interest. We all know things do develop offline. Nico Hulkenberg: Back in the spotlight | F1 News
