Hamilton inks $138m McLaren deal – report
The British tabloid News of the World claims that Hamilton, who turns 23 on Monday, will make an average of more than $27 million per season for the next five years, despite making just $700,000 plus points bonuses while he raced to second place in the drivers' championship in 2007.
The newspaper says the McLaren driver's basic 2008 salary will be $17m, plus another $6m if he spearheads the Mercedes-powered squad's first title since Mika Hakkinen in 1999.
"I've always said I'm happy to stay at McLaren for the rest of my career if they want me to," Hamilton, who recently moved to Switzerland for personal and tax purposes, is quoted as saying.
"I have a great relationship with the team having been with them for so long, right from my days in karting, and I'm ready to lead them on the track this year.
"My relationship with the team only grew stronger last year with all that happened off the track and the way they supported me in the final races," he added.