Three-time world champion Max Verstappen is the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 currently. That being said, despite having a contract worth $45,000,000 with Red Bull, the 26-year-old walked away with a whopping $70,000,000 in 2023.
In terms of actuals, the Dutchman bagged a handsome figure of forty-five million. The rest of the amount he earned were bonuses.
In 2023, Lewis Hamilton earned $55 million in salary alone
Of the $70 million Verstappen earned, $45 million is salary, and the rest is bonusesHere is the list of the highest paid racing drivers #F1 pic.twitter.com/EAiESgTdBq
— Mystake Official (@Mystake_Casino) December 12, 2023
Verstappen is likely to have earned such a hefty bonus because of the historic year he just had. On his way to wrapping up his third consecutive title, the Red Bull ace wracked up an unbelievable tally of 19 Grands Prix wins.
Considering that the regulations are relatively stable going into 2024, Verstappen is likely to be the favorite once again. As a result, the Dutchman is also the favorite to become the first billionaire driver in F1.
Max Verstappen can sacrifice billions with threatened early retirement
Business F1 magazine had recently reported how Max Verstappen could become F1’s first billionaire driver if he continues in F1 till his early 30s. “According to people who should know, he [Verstappen] could easily earn that much [500 million] again before he retires and will almost certainly become Formula 1’s first driver billionaire if he chooses to carry on beyond his early thirties,” read their report.
1. Marko being irritated by Lewis salary
2. “Hamilton to expensive for F1”
3. “We can’t pay Verstappen Lewis salary”
4. *pays Verstappen more than Hamilton*
5. “Hamilton is irritated by Verstappens salary”If I was Toto I would pay Lewis more only to see Marko explode pic.twitter.com/hnRbMW16Vi
— Stefanie (@fastpitstop) May 24, 2023
His billionaire status depends on his staying in the sport beyond 2028. However, on more than one occasion, Verstappen has hinted at wanting to retire from Formula 1 as soon as his current contract is up.
Verstappen continuing for the long term is also likely to favor Red Bull. It is going to be a near-impossible task to find a replacement like him, and hence, the Milton Keynes team would be trying their level best to ensure that the Dutchman stays put in the sport and with them for as long as possible.
