Due to the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on Formula 1 and therefore on the teams’ economy, McLaren driver Carlos Sainz decided to cut his salary to allow his team to overcome this difficult period.
McLaren team will also use the UK government’s furlough scheme to guarantee 80 per cent of salary for staff up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.
“Due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the McLaren Group has taken tough temporary personnel measures to hopefully protect long-term jobs.” Sainz said.
“I fully understand these difficult decisions and I obviously decided to reduce my salary because we are all together.” Sainz added.
To cope with this unprecedented crisis, the McLaren Group [of which the F1 team is a part] has decided to place several of its employees on short-time work, in order to reduce costs as much as possible.
Sainz’s teammate, Lando Norris has also agreed to cut his salary during this period, which is so difficult for companies around the world.
“The McLaren Group is temporarily furloughing a number of employees as part of wider cost-cutting measures due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on its business,” McLaren official spokesperson said 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.” he added.
Azerbaijan GP on June 7 hoped to be the first race of the 2020 F1 season after Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam, China, the Netherlands, Spain and Monaco already off.
“This comes as a direct result of the global corona outbreak and has been based entirely on the expert guidance provided to us by the relevant authorities.” the Azerbaijan organisers said in a statement.
“The primary concern has been the health and wellbeing of the Azerbaijani people as well as all visiting fans, staff and championship participants.” they added.
