Force India drivers driving without pay in the current year? – Formula 1 news
It has been reported that Force India drivers are driving without pay in the current season.
The news comes as the Indian owner Vijay Mallya has had a well-publicised financial turmoil going with his airline Kingfisher. Mallya has maintained that the airline has nothing to do with Formula 1. He has said that they are two different entities and one
is not dependant on the other.
Earlier reports came in that the team is looking to cut down in order to support the falling airline. Now news of Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta not being paid is further strengthens those rumours.
Hulkenberg during the 2011 season said that the airline’s high profile financial crisis has got nothing to do with the F1 team. He said this is not an airline and he is not bothered about the issues outside the realms of Force India.
Hulkenberg and di Resta account for hefty payments according to Business Book GP 2012 estimates that the German’s salary is EUR 500,000 and his Scottish teammate is getting 200,000.
Sportwoche magazine has cited through more than one paddock sources that the duo have not been paid anything in the year yet. The magazine went on to state that the team is being heavily supported through the team’s partner Sahara.
Force India have been known to pay later than their Formula One rivals, Daily Mail reported that the Silverstone based team pays bills on average 30 days past due.
“If Vijay sold his yacht, it would keep the team going for a couple of years,” remarked an unnamed supplier.
If the reports are true than it is remarkable to see the two drivers still fighting it out in the races to score points for the team. The situation will also have an effect on the overall performance of the team. Force India have not been able to achieve
its goals so far in the season.
The team wanted to penetrate the top five in the current season as they were able to finish sixth in the constructors’ last year.
It will be crucial for the team to pay the drivers in time for them to remain motivated.
Tags: