In 2024, the ten highest-paid pilots in the Formula 1 They accumulated a total of 317 million dollars in salaries and bonuses, 23% more than the previous year, according to Forbes. Max Verstappenfour-time champion with Red Bullleads with $75 million, including $60 million in salary and $15 million in bonuses.
Despite facing a more competitive season, the Dutchman continues to be the economic and sporting reference in the category. Lewis Hamilton He occupies second place with income of 57 million, of which 55 million correspond to his salary at Mercedes. However, his surprise signing for Ferrari for 2025 could raise his earnings even further.
Lando Norrisafter an outstanding season with McLaren that established him as runner-up, completes the podium with 35 million, a significant increase compared to the previous year. Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc They close the top five with 27.5 and 27 million, respectively.
Alonso renewed with Aston Martin until 2026, while Leclerc is preparing to team up with Hamilton at Ferrari next year, a pairing that generates high expectations. Other notable names include George Russell (23 million), Oscar Piastri (22 million), Sergio “Checo” Pérez (19.5 million), Carlos Sainz (19 million) and Pierre Gasly (12 million).
Revenue in Formula 1 has grown thanks to an unprecedented boom in the sport, which generated core revenues of $3.2 billion in 2023. This allowed teams to offer higher salaries, taking advantage of drivers’ exclusion from the imposed cost cap. in 2021.
Despite its impressive figures, sponsorship income is limited compared to other sporting disciplines, reflecting the particularity of Formula 1’s economic model.
With several contracts renewed for 2025, the numbers are expected to continue growing. Verstappen, for his part, could consider his future beyond 2026, exploring challenges such as the 24 hours of Le Mans or Daytona, as he has stated in various interviews.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
