Sainz and Norris take pay cuts as McLaren furlough F1 staff

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jnr have accepted cuts in their pay as the team has decided to furlough a group of staff in the Racing division, which includes its Formula 1 team.

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RaceFans understand the move will have no effect on the team’s participation in the ‘Project Pitlane’ initiative to help develop health care technologies in response to the global pandemic. McLaren is part of a consortium including companies outside F1 which is contributing to Ventilator Challenge UK, a project to meet the anticipated high demand for ventilators.

While some other sports teams have already put staff on temporary leave in response to the pandemic, McLaren is believed to be the first F1 team to have furloughed its staff, though others are expected to follow suit.

“The McLaren Group is temporarily furloughing a number of employees as part of wider cost-cutting measures due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its business,” a spokesperson told RaceFans in a statement. “These measures are focused on protecting jobs in the short-term to ensure our employees return to full-time work as the economy recovers.”

**How much are F1 drivers earning in 2020?**

Formula 1 teams face a significant loss of income as a result of the pandemic. The first eight races of the season have been postponed or cancelled, cutting the revenue the sport would have received from hosting fees, broadcasting contracts and other deals, which is paid to the teams.

The British government is allowing companies to claim a grant equal to 80% of a furloughed employee’s salary, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.

While the exact reduction Sainz and Norris are taking in their fees has not been disclosed, RaceFans understands it is in line with the cuts being made elsewhere. Earlier this week Norris pledged to shave his head after a fundraising effort for “the fight against Covid-19” raised $12,000.

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14 comments on “Sainz and Norris take pay cuts as McLaren furlough F1 staff”

Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
1st April 2020, 22:39
Juventus has already reached an agreement with its players in order to cut their wages till August (4 months). The move left the team with a positive 90 million euros on its budget. CR7 contribution is estimated to be around 10.5 millions.
On another note, John Elkann (Ferrari & FCA president) has already gave up on his “salary” till the end of 2020.
DonSmee (@david-beau)
1st April 2020, 23:07
Explain what Furlough means for the lazy.. Thanks!
1. Jimmi Cynic (@jimmi-cynic)
  2nd April 2020, 0:05
  @david-beau: It’s like a paid vacation, but without the stigma of being laid off or unemployed.
  1. pastaman (@)
    2nd April 2020, 0:53
    Except for the “paid” part. Basically you are on hiatus. Your job is not gone, but you are not paid while in furloughed status.
    1. Justin (@megahurts)
      2nd April 2020, 7:12
      you are in the UK though, the UK gov is paying 80% of wages up to £2.5k for those in furlough
      1. Justin (@megahurts)
        2nd April 2020, 7:13
        £2.5k per month
      2. pastaman (@)
        3rd April 2020, 0:49
        @megahurts thanks for that clarification. I’m glad the workers are still at least getting some salary. You are right, I’m in the US and it works a bit differently.
2. Jere (@jerejj)
  2nd April 2020, 7:28
  @david-beau https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furlough
  At first, I wasn’t entirely sure about the meaning either so googled to check out.
Islander
2nd April 2020, 10:57
Already the published salaries of recent days are out of date. F1 is a fast moving world.
Islander
2nd April 2020, 11:02
Surprise that Lewis has not offered one of his annual 40 million to help in the coronavirus fight. Would have gone down well in British media. Is he getting value for money from his US publicists and handlers?
just asking
1. GtisBetter (@)
  2nd April 2020, 11:15
  He already has.
  1. Islander
    2nd April 2020, 14:57
    Glad to hear it!
2. Umar A (@umartajuddin)
  2nd April 2020, 15:29
  Be interesting to see how much of his salary he offers to help others. Gives new meaning to the phrase “put your money where your mouth is”
Pironi the Provocateur (@pironitheprovocateur)
2nd April 2020, 14:59
Can’t wait until Mercedes does it and people on this website will be like: “Again, leading by example. Could this team be more perfect?”