Red Bull’s Max Verstappen dominance in Formula One caused Lewis Hamilton to lose $15,000,000

Undoubtedly, the three-time World Champion’s dominance greatly benefited numerous individuals within the Red Bull  Formula One team. Verstappen’s dominant era started in 2021, bringing an end to Hamilton’s reign and initiating a bittersweet relationship between the two drivers.

However, recently, Verstappen’s sealing of the 2023 Driver’s Championship resulted in  Hamilton missing out on a substantial bonus given in his contract.

Max Verstappen’s dominance costs Lewis Hamilton £15 million

Verstappen clinched his third consecutive championship a few weeks ago. That very weekend, the British driver, Lewis Hamilton, collided with his teammate too.

The seven-time World Champion now possesses the third position in the standings, 32 points behind Sergio Perez, after a miserable time at the Brazilian GP. While there are still chances for Hamilton to surpass Perez with two races remaining for the rest of the Season, the Mercedes driver’s failure to achieve the bonus is still inevitable.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Hamilton’s existing contract, which will expire at the end of the season, is valued at  £27.5 million, including a £15 million bonus if he wins the Drivers’ Championship.

For the third consecutive season, the 38-year-old has been deprived of this bonus by Verstappen, whose dominance is expected to continue until at least the new power unit regulations in 2026.

Certainly, until the end of 2025, Hamilton will be under a new contract. However, whether this new agreement includes a similar bonus for securing the championship remains uncertain.

Lewis Hamilton to be with Mercedes F1 team till 2025

It is officially decided that Lewis Hamilton will stay in Formula One until at least the end of 2025. The British driver has solidified his agreement with Mercedes by securing a new multi year agreement, while his fellow teammate, George Russell has received a similar extension until the same date.

This exciting news put an end to all of the rumours spread about Hamilton retiring before the end of 2023 Season.

Despite the persistent confirmation from the seven-time World Champion that he intended to stay with Mercedes till the very end, numerous speculations were made over the past year hinted at the possibility of the British driver to either transfer to Ferrari or seal his career at the end of this season.

Will Hamilton be able to regain his dominant era in the upcoming season? Tell us in the comment section below.