After Lewis Hamilton signed a two-year contract with the Mercedes team, rumors emerged that the rider would now receive $ 40 million a year. But can a rider be worthy of that amount of money?
In general, in our world, where the value of life is sometimes practically zero, it is perhaps objectively difficult to talk about such amounts. However, it seems that Hamilton and his relationship with Mercedes are taking the value of Formula 1 pilots to a new level.
If we talk about the responsibilities of a rider, then what should he do? In fact - to pilot the car. What, then, should a rider make a profit to pay him that kind of money?
Apparently, the teams in the middle of the peloton do not need to pay that kind of money to their riders, because they will not bring victories and titles. Namely, victories at the Grand Prix and in the championship are the value for which Mercedes is willing to pay.
All this money is considered to be spent on marketing purposes, and championship titles will only increase the marketing value of the Mercedes brand.
But even in the current struggle, the Brackley team clearly needs the driver who can get the most out of losing situations, and not just drive the champion car to the finish line.
The German Grand Prix was a prime example of the British's excellent piloting. When the conditions on the track changed and it started raining, Lewis on fresh Ultrasoft tires was 1.5 seconds faster than any other rider.
That is, in practice, it is a vicious circle: the team invests money, the driver makes a good result, the company gets a good PR effect and invests even more money.
The value of having a champion in its lineup is also emphasized by the fact that in the entire history of Formula 1 since 1950 only 33 drivers have received titles, of which four are now at the start - Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso.
But apart from them, only three current riders won the grand prix Max Verstappen, Daniel Riccardo and Valtteri Bottas. That is, only seven riders have proven their ability to win and value to the team.
In addition, do not forget the value of Hamilton in the global market for athletes and its popularity, which is also what Mercedes wants to use.
There is a recent example from football, where Juventus bought Cristiano Ronaldo for $ 100 million, but after this was announced, 520 thousand shirts worth $ 60 million were sold in a day. The same Mercedes can get from cooperation with Hamilton.
But of course, one must understand that the team from Brackley is now (as in previous years) fighting for the title. Despite the fact that the struggle this year has become even tighter. And to the existing car, you need a racer who will add 100, 1% to this car.
It is unlikely that Force India, Haas, or Renault will pay that kind of money to their pilot. But for a team fighting for titles, a driver like Hamilton is invaluable.
It may not be the best use of money, but Hamilton is a great racer, one of the best in royal racing history. Therefore, such a high market value is created, and Hamilton will work every penny for his team.
