Just read that Hamilton is about to be offered a £20 million a year 5 year deal, I know that salarys are not only down to the skill of the driver, but also your manager etc, but is Hamilton really worth (almost) twice as much as Button?

http://en.espnf1.com/mclaren/motorsport/story/7954...

I'm not sure any of them are worth that much if Maldonado can win a grand prix yet he has to bring $20m dollars of money to get the seat.

Seems a bit excessive to me. Lewis seems the type of driver, like Alonso, who would thrive more of he was a recognized Number 1, with a wingman beside him. Button and Hamilton, although they have different styles' seem to be just too 'equal' in both talent and points scoring ability.

I wonder how they cope?

Are Button, Hamilton and Massa all still on $10M this year? Massa must have one hell of an agent.

Just read that Kimi was apparently paid 45 million Euro's NOT to drive for Ferrari... (maybe Ferrari should consider a similar deal for Massa!)



I am sure Button is not unhappy... this was not my point... I was asking if Hamilton was worth twice as much... in my opinion... no..

Even this massive LH doesn't think so, but it what it'll cost them to keep him I think.

Lewis just seems to be the guy that teams would give right arms for, Button less so and I don't know why, I feel LH (like FA) can drive anything quickly, he's raw natural talent, but he's not widely regarded as a good development driver. JB on the otherhand perhaps a little less naturally fast, but he's very far from slow and he can develop cars too.

Perhaps Button's age is hurting his earning ability.

I don't think Button could give 2 hoots, to be honest. He signed his own deal, he is older, but they are different drivers. Hamilton is more marketable, I reckon, so that would play a part. As for any other ideas about who can drive what in a whatever car, well, the proof is in the points. This year, it seems neither McLaren is putting in sterling drives. Even without the various mistakes, mechanical failures, etc, it hasn't been too impressive except for the first race in Australia. Button has been driving for years now, so has probably amassed a wedge of cash he is more than happy with, and is in a team he seems happy in. I dn't think an extra x amount a year will change that much.

How will Leiws cope on a longer contract? Last year showed us that he can have issues, and can struggle in some aspects. I can see Lewis being a Ferrari driver at some point, and I think that team would suit him.

I'd say Lewis was worth a lot more than Jenson.

Doesn't seem all that strange to me although I'd take this with a pinch of salt, it is just a rumour after all.

Five years is a big commitment given the radical changes planned in 2014. Lewis seems loyal to McLaren but I wonder if he might benefit from negotiating a shorter contract, or even driving for another team. Money probably takes second place to legacy.