Double World Champion Max Verstappen is reportedly set for a very nice year indeed regardless of whether he wins a third consecutive Drivers’ Championship or not, with the Dutchman set to earn an estimated £45 million in 2023 according to RacingNews365.
This estimated figure doesn’t include endorsement deals or result-based bonuses, something the 25-year-old will likely receive for race wins and if he claims the title.
The £45 million base fee is believed to be £16 million more than seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who is expected to pocket £29 million based on his current contract.
Like Verstappen, though, Hamilton does boast several sponsors, meaning he’ll presumably pocket much more than the reported value of his current contract.
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Hamilton’s current contract is actually set to expire at the end of the forthcoming season, with some of the reported figures for his extension having been astronomical.
Some wild figures around the £60 million mark have been reported; however, nothing has been signed yet by the 38-year-old.
Verstappen, of course, was recently announced as an ambassador for Heineken and EA Sports, who’s logos will feature on the 25-year-old’s helmet.
When it comes to base salary, Verstappen is clear of everybody this year, with him set to earn £25 million more than Charles Leclerc in third.
The Monegasque’s deal is believed to be worth £20 million-a-year, whilst Lando Norris is fourth on the list, with the McLaren driver set to pocket at least £16 million.
Rounding off the top five is Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz, who still earns considerably more than Williams rookie Logan Sargeant.
Formula 1’s first American since 2015 is expected to earn under £1 million in 2023, as is AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda, who is yet to truly prove his value to the team.
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Looking ahead to the new season, the sport’s highest earner is expecting a tough title fight; however, he’s warned the likes of George Russell of the “different pressure” that drivers have to deal with when battling for the crown.
“Of course he is, he is one of the greatest drivers ever in the sport. If he has the car he can fight for the title,” Verstappen told Sky Sports.
“But that’s the same for George Russell, the same for Charles, and the same for Lando. If you gave them a car which is capable of winning the championship then they can. It’s also about when you have the car, then the pressure comes and you can’t afford mistakes – that’s a different pressure you have. But once the guys get into a roll then it’s all possible.”