Ferrari’s infamous ‘Horse Whisperer’ has rubbished claims that Fernando Alonso earns an estimated £24 million per annum in driver wages.
A report published in the ‘Business Book GP 2012’ claims the Spaniard earns almost double that of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.
However, the Horse Whisperer called the figure ‘utter balderdash’ and suggests the figure is far from the truth.
“This strange 2012 Spring is drawing to a close, but some things never change,” started the statement. “Roses bloom in the garden, the smell of jasmine fills the air and, how could it be any different, journalists’ thoughts turn to the question of how much sportsmen earn.
“Of course, there’s plenty of interest in Formula 1 drivers and, as usual, all sorts of airy-fairy figures are bandied about.
“Just arrived, but it’s surely not the last, is something called ‘Business Book GP 2012’. This august publication would have Fernando Alonso earning 30 million Euro per year, or almost the same as the two McLaren drivers put together. A shame then that it’s another case of utter balderdash, that shows once again that those who compile these lists, usually like to quote themselves and each other, like dogs chasing their own tails, always putting Ferrari on top when it comes to money, whether it’s referring to driver salaries or budgets.
“Things ain’t what they used to be we are told, but, when it comes to money, the song remains the same: Ferrari spends more than anyone. A shame then that the reality is very different, as those who work in the business know only too well.”
The reported salaries for all 24 drivers, according to the Business Book GP 2012, can be found here.
