P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is in the top 20 of the Forbes 2024 highest-paid athlete’s list, beating Lewis Hamilton by four spots.
Max Verstappen is among the top 20 highest-paid athletes on the Forbes 2024 list, leading as the F1 driver with the highest earnings in the past year. Ranking at number 17, his earnings surpass those of NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and golfer Rory McIlroy. Verstappen earned $81 million in the last 12 months, primarily from his $76 million contract with Red Bull and $5 million from off-track endeavors like endorsements. Lewis Hamilton closely follows at 21, with significant non-F1 earnings, totaling $69 million including a $57 million annual deal with Mercedes. The top positions were dominated by football, golf, and basketball stars, with Cristiano Ronaldo, John Rahm, and Lionel Messi leading the pack. Despite Verstappen’s success, no other motorsport driver made it into the top 50 list.
