P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The four-time World Champion Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton are amongst the highest-paid drivers in Formula 1, but who tops the list?
Verstappen clinching his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship in Las Vegas marks a significant achievement in his career, especially with the strong competition from McLaren’s Lando Norris towards the end of the season. Despite this success, Verstappen faces tough competition from Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who is aiming for his eighth title in Formula 1 this year. Verstappen holds the top spot on the list of highest-paid drivers in the sport for 2024, with reported earnings around $65 million annually. Hamilton closely trails behind, earning $5 million less than Verstappen, with a noticeable gap in their earnings after Verstappen’s incredible comeback victory in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The annual base income figures for drivers only provide a glimpse into their earnings, excluding bonuses and endorsements, setting Verstappen as the highest earner. The rumor mill speculates Aston Martin’s interest in Verstappen with a reported $1 billion offer, potentially reshaping the landscape of F1 salaries and making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport’s history.
