Max Verstappen is F1’s highest-earning driver, receiving a whopping $55,000,000 from Red Bull. This spot was once held by Lewis Hamilton when the Briton was at the top with Mercedes during their turbo-hybrid era days. While the 38-year-old still received the second-highest salary until recently, a report from Sky Sports’ Craig Slater states that his latest package will see him earning a similar amount to Verstappen’s.
Such reports emerge despite Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff having previously claiming that Hamilton’s contract talks were never delayed because of money. The Austrian told Sky Sports earlier this year, “This is not a money discussion at all. It is about the future. What is it that we want to do right and optimize“?
Lewis Hamilton now earns $54,218,500 at Mercedes
According to Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater, Lewis Hamilton now earns $54,218,500 at Mercedes as per his most recent deal. As quoted by f1maximaal,nl, Slater said, “A very well-informed source in the paddock has told me that his (Hamilton) new contract is moving towards €50 million ($54,218,500) a year, including bonuses“.
Slater noted that such a deal would get Hamilton closer to what Max Verstappen earns at Red Bull. Previously, Hamilton earned approximately $35 million at Mercedes. Therefore, the difference between the Briton and Verstappen was a whopping $20 million.
However, if the rumors surrounding Hamilton’s new deal are true, then the two will presumably now earn a salary in a similar region. F1 expert Martin Brundle believes that the 38-year-old would asked for such a hike in his salary to ensure parity with his arch-rival Verstappen.
Brundle explains the demands Hamilton would have made to Mercedes
While speaking to Sky Sports, Martin Brundle explained why he believes Lewis Hamilton would want to receive the same amount as Max Verstappen. “He will value himself as the same as Max, as a seven-time world champion. He knows he’s still got the speed. It will be tens of millions, plus bonuses,” explained the 64-year-old (as quoted by crash.net).
After stating the same, Brundle explained why he believes Hamilton would have been keen to extend his stay. The British commentator believes that his compatriot still has the desire to win a record eighth championship.
Brundle believes that the keenness to hold the ultimate record to himself of winning eight titles is what is driving Hamilton to race even longer. As things stand, the Mercedes driver is currently tied with the legendary Michael Schumacher on seven world titles.
