F1 News: Max Verstappen Takes Home Staggering Bonus After Dominant 2023 Season
Have a look at the Formula 1 stats of this year, and you'll notice Max Verstappen topping almost every list and breaking old records. Despite the season having ended a few weeks ago, the Red Bull driver has topped yet another list for being the highest-paid driver of 2023.
After all, he has accomplished in just a single season what often takes drivers multiple Formula 1 seasons to achieve. Verstappen secured an impressive 19 Grand Prix victories out of 22 in the 2023 season, amassing 575 points and clinching the championship title. Not to forget the several 18-odd records he broke this season.
Red Bull Press Image
As a result, he received not only a substantial salary but also a generous bonus for his contributions. When combining the base salary with the bonus, Verstappen's annual earnings surpass those of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, often recognised as one of the highest-paid Formula 1 drivers.
According to Forbes estimates, the Red Bull driver's total earnings for the year amount to approximately USD 70 million. This figure includes bonuses for Grand Prix victories, including the Championship title bonus of $25 million. The remaining $45 million is reported to constitute his base salary.
No.2 on the Forbes list is Hamilton, who didn't earn a bonus this season, maybe because of being unable to secure a win. Despite the lack of a victory, he is said to be taking home a base salary of $55 million, which is higher than Verstappen's base salary but lower than his total earnings.
Other drivers who comprise the top ten paid F1 drivers list as per Forbes for the 2023 season include Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, George Russell, Pierre Gasly, and Oscar Piastri, in the same order.
Forbes' List Of Top Ten Highest Paid Formula 1 Drivers
