Quote:
Originally Posted by chillibowl
but the massive difference in wages indicates, imo, a clear distinction in who is their 1 and 2 drivers.
|
Hamilton arrived at Mercedes as a former world champion and a top ranked driver. As a world champion, of course ones wages are going to be higher. Bottas arrived at Mercedes as podium finisher, with a best of 3rd position. Of course his wages are going to be lower than Hamilton's. Don't see what the salary has to do with signing a contract that states you will be given equal equipment, treatment and opportunity to race your team mate?
Quote:
Originally Posted by chillibowl
Nico was also pretty close to LH in terms of base retainer so not much of a salary difference.
|
But there was. Both drivers always had equal status in the team. When Lewis arrived at Mercedes in 2014, Nicoff, sorry Nico.. was the established driver there. Some even said Nico was the number 1 driver and Lewis was number two then. Lewis was on a much higher wage than Nico in 2014, when Nico was the supposedly established number 1. But both had equal status at the team, even though Lewis was on a much higher wage. Wages did not define who was
contractually number one (or number two) at Mercedes from 2014 to 2016. It has been said many times that they both had equal status.
As the 2014 season progressed, Hamilton proved to be the better driver. And won the championship that year. And by doing so, rightly deserved a higher wage for 2015. Nico's retainer was also higher for 2015, and higher again for 2016, but still not as near as Lewis' was. But both always had equal status at Mercedes throughout their time together. Then Nico won the championship in 2016. On a lower wage than Lewis. And then decided to Nicoff!