Daniel Ricciardo will take massive pay cut to join McLaren after Renault F1 contract
Daniel Ricciardo will reportedly sacrifice about $25 million per season to leave Renault for McLaren.
The Australian driver became one of the highest paid stars on the Formula One grid when he joined Renault on a two year contract, reportedly making about $42 million per season (25 million euros).
But his McLaren salary will be just $17 million (10 million euros), according to French journalist Marc Limacher.
That would drop Ricciardo down a few pegs, having trailed only Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes, $78 million) and Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari, $68 million) for this season. Max Verstappen reportedly makes $26 million per season at Red Bull.
Daniel Ricciardo had a nightmare Australian GP. AP
Ricciardo has made the switch after a disappointing string of results with Renault, having never made an F1 podium in the French car. He won seven grands prix at Red Bull.
The 30-year-old has signed a two-year contract at McLaren, with the option in his favour of another season, and has been guaranteed the status of No.1 driver in the team.
Ricciardo can reportedly boost his earnings at McLaren with bonus payments; including 400,000 euros ($660,000) when he earns championship points and one million euros ($1.65 million) for a grand prix victory.
