Max Verstappen Surpasses Hamilton in 2023 Earnings: Forbes’ Top-Paid F1 Drivers List Revealed

Max Verstappen has emerged as the highest-paid Formula 1 driver in 2023, surpassing Lewis Hamilton’s earnings. This achievement follows his dominant performance in the season, where he broke numerous records and clinched the championship title.

Key Takeaways:

• Max Verstappen topped the Forbes list of highest-paid F1 drivers in 2023, with total earnings of approximately $70 million, thanks to his outstanding 19 Grand Prix victories and numerous record-breaking performances.
• Lewis Hamilton, despite not securing any wins in the season, earned a base salary of $55 million, making him the second-highest earner behind Verstappen.
• The top ten list by Forbes also includes notable drivers like Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, and Charles Leclerc, highlighting the significant earnings of F1 drivers based on their performances and contracts.

In a year of unparalleled success, Max Verstappen not only dominated the Formula 1 circuits but also the financial charts. His staggering total earning of around $70 million, as estimated by Forbes, places him at the pinnacle of F1’s financial hierarchy. This sum is a combination of his base salary and a series of performance-based bonuses, including a hefty $25 million for clinching the championship title.

Verstappen’s financial triumph in 2023 is largely attributed to his record-breaking season with Red Bull. Winning 19 out of 22 Grand Prix and accumulating an unprecedented 575 points, he has set a new standard in Formula 1 racing. His exceptional performance is not just reflected in his victories and points but also in the number of records he shattered this season.

While Verstappen leads, Lewis Hamilton follows as the second highest-paid driver, albeit with a significant gap. Hamilton’s earnings, primarily from his base salary of $55 million, fell short of Verstappen’s due to the lack of victory bonuses. This scenario underscores the impact of on-track performance on a driver’s financial rewards.

The list of top earners is not just about Verstappen and Hamilton. It includes other notable names like Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, and Charles Leclerc, who have also made significant earnings, reflecting their skill, marketability, and the lucrative nature of Formula 1 contracts. These drivers, along with others in the top ten, demonstrate the financial rewards available in the pinnacle of motor racing, contingent on their performance and contract negotiations.

Verstappen’s financial success in 2023 is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the commercial appeal of Formula 1. It’s a sport where excellence on the track can lead to substantial financial rewards, and Verstappen’s year has been a perfect example of this principle in action.