RED BULL chief Helmut Marko thinks Lewis Hamilton could join Ferarri as he is jealous of Max Verstappen’s salary.
Marko is an adviser of the team and head of their driver development programme.
Reports from Forbes suggest that Verstappen has overtaken Hamilton as the highest-earner in F1.
Bonuses saw him take home £49.4million last year while Hamilton pocketed £45.3million.
The seven-time world champion sees his contract at Mercedes expire at the end of this season.
Ferrari are reportedly keen to make a move for the Brit and are readying a £40million offer.
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The bid could be upped or include huge bonuses that would take his wage back above Verstappen’s.
Despite Silver Arrows chief Toto Wolff insisting Hamilton wants to commit to the team, Marko believes he could be tempted by a switch.
He told F1 Insider: “There are things that really annoy Hamilton. Firstly, that he is no longer world champion and will find it difficult to become one again in the future.
“He knows there is no place for him at Red Bull. And whether Ferrari will be better for him in terms of sport than Mercedes is not set in stone.
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“In addition to the sporting perspective, Lewis is anything but happy that he is no longer the highest-earning driver in Formula 1.
“This is Max Verstappen now. At least that he could change with Ferrari’s help.”
The Dutch driver looks in line to continue his dominance this season, having won three of five races so far.
Meanwhile, Hamilton has podiumed just once back in Australia.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
