“It’s Unacceptable That Lewis Hamilton Earns More Than $40 Million”: Romain Grosjean

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, F1 had to introduce several rules and regulations that that would help teams to cut costs. However, cutting down on drivers’ salaries wasn’t part of the new rules. Nevertheless, Haas driver Romain Grosjean, who is also part of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), doesn’t like the amount of disparity between the salaries of one driver and the other. Particularly, the fact that Lewis Hamilton is earning more than $40 million per annum, isn’t pleasing Grosjean.

Romain Grosjean feels that the amount Lewis Hamilton earns is unacceptable

Grosjean reveals that the GPDA had indeed initiated discussions, regarding a salary cap for drivers but in the end, decided against it. He said, “We had this talk (about a salary cap) in the GPDA. Some were in favor, others were against. I do think it’s unacceptable that Lewis Hamilton earns more than $40 million while some drivers earn Euro 150,000 a year for the same job.” said Grosjean as qouted by Autosport.com.

Furthermore, he revealed the reason why these talks were abandoned. He said, “What was pointed out was that if we cap drivers’ salaries, we break the whole ladder of motorsport. Who would invest money in young driver programs to pay for their racing if they can’t get their money back by taking a percentage of the drivers’ high wages? That’s the debate.”

“Personally, I wasn’t necessarily against the idea of having drivers’ salaries in the budget cap. But then, for sure, you would question what manufacturer or manager would come and spend a fortune on a driver only to take back 20% of something that is capped, so never get their money back…”

However, lest we forget, Hamilton is yet to sign a new contract with Mercedes. His current contract with the Silver Arrows expires at the end of this year. Recently the Briton had rubbished rumors of his contract demands. (Read: “Stop Making Sh*T Up”- Lewis Hamilton Shuts Down Rumors Over His Contract Demands). But, one can expect that he’ll continue with Mercedes after this season.

As for Grosjean, he’d want to direct his focus on the race in Austria. He’ll be looking to hit double-figures this season after only managing 8 points in 2019.