Marko: F1 drivers are overpaid

Editor

Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko believes that Formula 1 drivers are now overpaid because the sport no longer presents the danger or the challenge that it used to.

According to reports, Fernando Alonso was F1's highest-paid driver last year, with the Spaniard pocketing €35million, while Ferrari splashed out €28m on Sebastian Vettel. World Champion Lewis Hamilton is believed to have earned €25m for the 2015 campaign.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Marko has asserted that the millions on offer for F1's best drivers is excessive.

“Basically, the drivers of today are definitely overpaid,” he told 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."