 |
|
The future is bleak? Domenicali hinted that ace Ferrari ace driver and 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen's contract could be modified. pic/midday archives |
Formula One's multi-millionaire drivers have been told their wages could be cut as the financial crisis continues to bite. The warning comes from Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali, who feels drivers should not be immune from the cost-cutting drive being waged in F1.
World governing body, the FIA, on Friday introduced a raft of new proposals for next season and 2010 designed to help the teams save hundreds of millions of pounds.
Now the drivers could be asked to play their part, with Domenicali far from ruling out the prospect of renegotiation taking place on current contracts.
That could lead to the likes of Kimi Raikkonen, currently F1's top earner on a reputed £20million per year, seeing his wages cut.
In an interview with Italian magazine Autosprint, Domenicali said: "I think in the following months there will be a major revolution, also with the drivers, as far as retainers are concerned.
"Let's be clear: at a moment when the teams, whether big or small, must reduce costs in a significant way, one could feel like saying you need an ace (driver) to make the difference.
"However, I feel in the current climate the big teams won't have the ability any more to think of offering certain amounts of money that some drivers get.
"So discussions can be held on this issue."
Asked about Raikkonen's new deal that was signed in September being changed, Domenicali added: "Anything can be modified in life. The important thing is wanting to do it. We know the terms of the contract.
"However, I'm convinced this issue will soon be discussed among all the teams and with every driver."
