Driver wages in Formula 1

No matter how much we earn in life, something in our mind always dreams of having just that bit more. Things would be great if I had X amount more of money. Well, in reality that dreamed Utopia isn't strictly a real one. You see, as humans, we will always live to our means no matter how much we have and so therefore, in the long run, will end up feeling exactly the same no matter. As long as you have enough to pay your bills each month and have a decent life then what the hey. Yes, but we are human so... more more more!

When it comes to the wages of Formula 1 drives, this need for more seems to be hugely amplified. The driver wages earned for the 2009 F1 season has just been published. Some of the money flying around, especially near the top, is absolutely crazy.

The wages displayed are in US Dollars.


1. Kimi Raikkonen $45m

2. Lewis Hamilton $18m

3. Fernando Alonso $15m

4. Nico Rosberg $8.5m

5. Felipe Massa $8m

6. Jarno Trulli $6.5m

7. Sebastian Vettel $6m

8. Mark Webber $5.5m

9. Jenson Button $5m

10. Robert Kubica $4.5m

11. Heikki Kovalainen $3.5m

12. Nick Heidfeld $2.8m

13. Timo Glock $2m

14. Giancarlo Fisichella $1.5m

15. Sébastien Buemi $1.5m

16. Rubens Barrichello $1m

17. Jaime Alguersuari $0.5m

18. Vitantonio Liuzzi $Nil

19. Adrian Sutil $Nil

20. Romain Grosjean $Nil

21. Kazuki Nakajima $Nil

Kimi Raikkonen was paid by Ferrari a staggering 45 Million Dollars. No driver can surely be worth this amount of money. 45 Million? No wonder they're getting rid of him and no wonder he has yet signed a contract for 2010 with another team. Nobody is yet prepared to pay his wages. 45 Million Dollars? Still can't believe this. That's over twice as much as 2nd man Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton has to make do with just 18 Million Dollars... poor chap, hope he survives the winter.

Think I should have got into Formula 1. I wonder how much money Ferrari pay their filing clerk?

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www.jenkin7 - www.jenkin7.com
Giftware & Collectables

Video Racing Games - Just how real do you want it?

I recently found myself in a daft conversation (yes it was at the Pub) regarding Formula 1 games and their realism.

The point was made that a certain game was pretty bad as it didn't feel very realistic. Well... just how realistic do you want it? The games can never be 100% realistic otherwise only professional Formula 1 drivers would be able to successfully play them... and they probably have a lot better things to be getting on with... apart from Jacques Villeneuve.

Anyway, as long as they look authentic with cool engine sounds and graphics and are fun to play, I think that's the most you can ask for. If I had to drive a real Formula 1 car, I would probably be extremely tired by the end of Lap 1, fall unconscious on Lap 2 and wake up in hospital 3 weeks later. A game that could provide that level of realism wouldn't be very popular.

A point conceded though, F1 05 on the PlayStation 2 is maybe a bit too easy. Ok, it's your turn to go up to the Bar. Mine's a pint of Fosters.

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www.jenkin7 - www.jenkin7.com
Giftware & Collectables

Formula 1 - Fernando Alonso a threat in 2009?

Will Spaniard and double World Champion, Fernando Alonso, be a threat to the FIA Formula 1 Championship in 2009?

He undeniably brings a massive amount to any team he is with. When he moved to beleaguered Renault from Mclaren in 2008, the team were nowhere. Struggling for points and way off the pace, it seemed the best years were way behind them.

With Fernando's input, the car steadily improved and late on in the season he earned back to back race victories in Singapore and Japan. Alonso finished 2nd in the dramatic final race at Interlagos Brazil and ended the season 5th overall with a very credible 61 points. He was also the only driver to out-qualify his team mate in every race.

Fernando Alonso has signed a new contract with the Renault Team which will keep him there for another two seasons.

Team Boss, Flavio Briatore said,

"He has been a big asset throughout this difficult season and his leadership and talent, matched with the team's hard work and determination, have paid off with our recent performances, which have placed the Renault F1 Team back among the top competitors of Formula 1."

After the tumultuous season with Mclaren, Alonso is obviously very happy to be back with the team where he won his two World Championships in 2005 and 2006. He said,

"I have decided to stay with the Renault F1 team because, as I have often repeated this season, they have always been my first choice and I feel very happy and comfortable with them".

With a determined Alonso on board, it is very likely the team will continue to improve further throughout the close season and 2009. Expect the Spaniard to be challenging for the title next season.

Alonso verses Hamilton part 2? It could be an epic.

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