In 2023, the top 10 highest-paid Formula 1 drivers earned an estimated $258 million collectively, slightly lower than the previous year’s $264 million. The ranking focuses solely on salaries and bonuses, excluding income from endorsements.
Formula 1 drivers, despite limited personal sponsorships, are global stars, gaining traction in the U.S. due to Netflix’s Drive to Survive series. With increased interest and new sponsors, Predictions states a rise in team revenues, reaching an average of $380 million in 2023.
While cost caps aim for team parity, driver salaries remain exempt, allowing larger teams to offer significant payouts.
Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing
- Nationality: Netherlands
- Salary: $45M
- Bonus: $25M
Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive driver’s championship in the Formula 1 season, winning an impressive 19 races and surpassing his previous record of 15 victories set in the previous season.
The Dutch driver’s dominance extended to a remarkable 290-point lead in the standings, shattering both his own record and the previous series mark set by Sebastian Vettel in 2013 with a 155-point margin of victory.
Notably, Verstappen, who was under 26 years old when Forbes listed him among the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2023, is set to receive a salary increase next season under his new five-year contract extension with Red Bull Racing.
Great to be out on track again, testing with @VerstappenCOM Racing đȘ Good times âïž pic.twitter.com/VyXcVx3zfd
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) December 19, 2023
Lewis Hamilton – MercedesÂ
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Salary: $55M
- Bonus: $0M
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, rebounded from his sixth-place finish in 2022 to secure third place in the 2023 season. While this might be considered a dip by his exceptional standards, Hamilton’s achievement is still noteworthy.
In the 2023 season, he reached the podium in only six races, marking his lowest podium finish since 2013. Interestingly, Hamilton, who has consistently claimed at least one Grand Prix victory in every other season during his 17-year Formula 1 career, has been winless for two consecutive seasons.
Despite the speculations about his future, the 38-year-old British superstar put them to rest by signing a multiyear contract extension with Mercedes in August.
Fernando Alonso – Aston MartinÂ
- Nationality: Spain
- Salary: $24M
- Bonus: $10M
In his inaugural season with Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso, a seasoned driver who previously competed for Alpine, secured an impressive fourth place in the driver standings.
The 42-year-old Spaniard, a highly popular figure in Formula 1, was the last driver not named Verstappen or Hamilton to lead the F1 earnings race. Back in 2013, Alonso made an estimated $30 million, with $28 million earned on the track and an additional $2 million off it, marking his presence on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
Alonso has also ventured into other motorsports, including endurance racing and IndyCar, expressing a desire to return to rally driving after retiring from Formula 1.
Sergio PĂ©rez – Red Bull Racing
- Nationality: Mexico
- Salary: $10M
- Bonus: $16M
Sergio PĂ©rez, securing two victories in the first four races of the season, played a pivotal role alongside teammate Max Verstappen in propelling Red Bull Racing to an extraordinary 21 Grand Prix victories in 22 races. Despite this, a midseason dip in performance fueled speculation about the potential replacement of the Mexican star in 2024.
However, PĂ©rez, who finished second in the driver standings, has quashed retirement rumors and affirmed his commitment to racing, emphasizing that he remains under contract with Red Bull Racing through the upcoming season.
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
- Nationality: Monaco
- Salary: $14M
- Bonus: $5M
Despite earlier reports suggesting a record-breaking contract extension with Ferrari, Charles Leclerc clarified that such claims were false, humorously stating, “I wish I did this deal!” Currently holding the fifth position in the grid after a second-place finish in the 2022 season, Leclerc expressed his desire to continue with Ferrari beyond the upcoming season.
While aspiring to win world championships, the talented driver emphasized contentment with his current position, stating, “Do I want to change my place with anyone? No, I don’t.”
Lando Norris – McLarenÂ
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Salary: $5M
- Bonus: $10M
Despite early-season car issues for McLaren, Lando Norris demonstrated a strong finish, securing podium positions in five out of six races from September to November. His stellar performance played a crucial role in McLaren surpassing Aston Martin for fourth place in the constructor standings.
Although Norris finished sixth among drivers, just one point behind both Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc, he didn’t secure a Grand Prix victory in 2023. However, Norris did manage to make headlines by accidentally knocking over and breaking Max Verstappen’s winner’s porcelain cup during the celebration after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz – FerrariÂ
- Nationality: Spain
- Salary: $8M
- Bonus: $6M
Carlos Sainz stood out as the sole non-Red Bull driver to claim victory in a Grand Prix this year, securing the top spot in Singapore in September. Finishing just behind his teammate Charles Leclerc (and Lando Norris) in the driver standings, the 29-year-old Spaniard showcased his racing prowess.
In a unique crossover event, Sainz also added to his achievements by teaming up with golfer Justin Thomas to win the Netflix Cup in Las Vegas. This live sporting event featured F1 drivers and PGA Tour players in an exhibition match on the golf course, marking a distinctive off-track accomplishment for Sainz.