Lewis Hamilton looks set to close the gap to the highest paid driver in Formula 1, currently Fernando Alonso, if he accepts McLaren’s latest deal to retain his services post-2012.
The Woking outfit are keen to re-sign the revitalised Hamilton, who has been driving in a much more mature and error free manner compared with previous seasons.
The 2008 world champion currently earns around £15 million per season, but his current contract expires at the end of the year.
In a bid to keep him, McLaren are reportedly offering him £20 million per season, based on a three-year deal. Though the contract would likely contain release clauses after 2013.
XIX Entertainment boss Simon Fuller, who represents the 27-year-old, is believed to be pushing for fewer promotional responsibilities in a bid to allow Hamilton to promote brands outside of F1 – this may result in a smaller salary, but allow him to explore other projects.
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