JUST IN : Hamilton deals Verstappen blow after RECORD Ferrari...

Hamilton deals Verstappen blow after RECORD Ferrari salary emerges

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have long been two of the most dominant figures in Formula 1, with both drivers claiming an impressive share of recent drivers’ championships. Over the past decade, they have controlled the sport, winning 10 of the last 11 titles. Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive world title in 2024, continues to reign as the champion heading into 2025. Hamilton, meanwhile, claimed six championships between 2014 and 2020 with Mercedes, adding to his first world title with McLaren.

Despite Verstappen’s consistent dominance on the track, a recent revelation has added an interesting twist to the rivalry between the two drivers: the emergence of Hamilton’s massive salary, linked to his new Ferrari deal, has reshaped the financial landscape of F1.

According to reports, Verstappen is no longer the highest-paid driver in the sport, a position he had long held. This shift comes after Hamilton’s lucrative Ferrari contract was revealed. While Verstappen is still the leading driver in terms of performance and achievements, Hamilton’s new deal with Ferrari will make him the top earner in F1 as of 2025.

Before this, Verstappen had a hefty salary package with Red Bull, earning significantly more than his peers. For instance, McLaren’s Lando Norris was a distant third in terms of pay, bringing in $12 million in salary with an additional $23 million in bonuses, totaling $35 million annually. But Hamilton’s Ferrari agreement, which reportedly eclipses Verstappen’s income, has set a new benchmark in the sport. The exact details of Hamilton’s salary remain private, but sources suggest it surpasses Verstappen’s current deal at Red Bull, which is rumored to be around $50 million per year.

Hamilton’s new deal with Ferrari has raised many eyebrows, not only due to the eye-watering sum involved but also because it marks a significant career move for the British driver. After spending the majority of his career at Mercedes, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari signals a new chapter, and the financial compensation reflects his stature in the sport.

For Verstappen, the change in the earning hierarchy may be a blow to his ego, considering his current on-track dominance. However, it also highlights the growing commercial power of F1, where drivers’ marketability and team dynamics can result in enormous financial rewards, far beyond just their on-track achievements.

This shift in the earnings landscape also signals a broader trend in F1, where star drivers are not just competing for titles but are also securing enormous salaries thanks to the sport’s global appeal and increasing commercial opportunities. The rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton, already fierce on the track, is now intensifying off it, as the two drivers continue to battle for supremacy both in terms of performance and financial success.