Max Verstappen had recently become the first driver to make a fortune of a $1 billion. The Dutch champion finds no competition on or off track and his salary figures are incredibly daunting to surpass. He already had one of the most expensive contracts in Formula 1 but Lewis Hamilton managed to catch up to him.
Verstappen, however, got ahead of the Briton again as he increased his salary even further, making him the highest-paid Formula 1 driver. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been in a league of their own as they compete for the most earnings in the racing world.
Max Verstappen becomes highest-paid F1 driver
Verstappen got his third straight world championship victory in 2023, as he won the title with a whopping 290-point margin ahead of his nearest rival and teammate Sergio Perez. Max Verstappen has now begun his 5-year contract extension, with Red Bull giving him a pay raise that will enable him to become the highest-paid driver.
Forbes recently released their list of top 5 athletes, 25 years of age or younger, who are among the highest paid. Max Verstappen’s new contract enabled him to enter this list as his salary figures increased to $70 million. This way, Max Verstappen topped the list of driver earnings this year, making his record-breaking season much more memorable and special. The driver was earlier tied to Lewis Hamilton for a $50 million contract, and while Lewis Hamilton is on the lookout for new ways to spend his earnings, Max Verstappen lays low and doesn’t involve himself in a lavish lifestyle publicly.
Fernando Alonso joins Verstappen and Hamilton on top earner’s list
While Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were among the expected top earners, there was another that surprisingly popped into the top 3. Fernando Alonso’s entry in top 3 earners of the season was as sudden as his immediate podium in Aston Martin.
The Spaniard had started the season with a base salary of only $5 million and he was one of the least expensive drivers this year, earning a lot of points. His consistent and fast performance throughout the year earned him a contract extension with Aston Martin, along with a healthy raise in pay. Fernando Alonso now has a $34 million-per-year contract with Aston Martin. The Spaniard enjoyed a very successful season in Formula 1 after a long time considering the number of teams he has changed throughout and he is reaping the benefits of his never-ending talent.
Is anyone going to surpass Max Verstappen’s earnings soon? Make sure to tell us what you think in the comments section.
