Sebastian Vettel has hastily negotiated a new clause for his 2009 Red Bull contract.
Pre-season, the 21-year-old did not imagine the possibility that he would be a leading candidate to win the drivers’ title.
Most top drivers’ contracts include the promise of a financial bonus in the event of a world championship triumph.
Germany’s Bild newspaper reported that, with the assistance of his father Norbert, Vettel convinced team boss Christian Horner to offer a 10 per cent title bonus.
It is therefore estimated that Vettel will be paid an additional 350,000 (euros) on top of his 3.5m retainer if he beats his rivals to the crown.
Horner confirmed: “It would have been stupid if he didn’t want that (clause), and Sebastian is absolutely not stupid.”
