Marko: 'It irritates Hamilton that Verstappen is the highest-paid driver'

Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing's advisor, made a spicy statement about Lewis Hamilton. The Austrian seems to believe in the rumours that Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari. One of the reasons given by Marko is remarkable.

Stories and talk have been circulating for years about Hamilton's possible retirement from Formula 1 at Ferrari. Recently, rumours of a switch from the Brit to the Scuderia became more stubstantial. Hamilton is said to have already received a huge offer from Ferrari.

'Hamilton wants to earn more than Verstappen'

Marko cited two reasons why it is quite plausible for Hamilton to leave the team, where he won no fewer than six F1 titles in the past decade. Marko is quoted by F1-insider.com: "There are two things that really irritate Hamilton. The first is that he is no longer a World Champion and it will be difficult for him to become one again in the future." Marko revealed that there is no place for Hamilton at Red Bull and that it also remains to be seen whether that will happen at Ferrari.

The second reason cited Marko finds more serious, according to the Medium. The Red Bull advisor continued: "Besides the sporting perspective, Lewis is all but happy with the fact that he is no longer the highest-earning driver in Formula 1. That's Max Verstappen now. That is something he can at least change with help from Ferrari."