Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen: A Comparative Look at....

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen: A Comparative Look at Salaries from 2016 to 2024

The world of Formula 1 is as much about the glitz and glamour as it is about fierce competition on the track. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, two of the sport’s biggest names, have dominated the headlines over the past several years—not just for their thrilling battles but also for the massive salaries they command. Since 2016, both drivers have seen their earnings skyrocket, reflecting their immense talent and star power.

2016-2018: Hamilton’s Dominance and Verstappen’s Rise

In 2016, Lewis Hamilton was already an established superstar, having won three Formula 1 World Championships by then. Driving for Mercedes, Hamilton earned an estimated $30 million annually, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. His contract with Mercedes was lucrative, but it was also reflective of his dominance on the track. Between 2014 and 2016, Hamilton won two titles and narrowly missed out on a third, which only increased his value in the market.

On the other hand, Max Verstappen was still considered an up-and-comer during this period. In 2016, he made a historic move by becoming the youngest race winner in F1 history, clinching victory at the Spanish Grand Prix after his promotion to Red Bull. However, his salary was significantly lower than Hamilton’s, estimated at around $3-5 million annually in 2016. Although Verstappen’s potential was evident, his salary was modest compared to Hamilton’s, given his relative inexperience in the sport.

By 2018, Verstappen had firmly established himself as a rising star in Formula 1. His salary saw a noticeable increase, jumping to around $10 million per year, thanks to his consistent podium finishes and growing reputation. Hamilton, meanwhile, continued to dominate both on the track and in the earnings department. His annual salary had increased to approximately $40 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes across all sports, not just F1.

2019-2021: Verstappen’s Contract Breakthrough and Hamilton’s Record-Setting Earnings

As the 2019 season approached, Verstappen’s stock had risen significantly. Red Bull recognized his talent and signed him to a long-term contract extension, boosting his annual salary to approximately $20-25 million. By this point, Verstappen was no longer seen as a rising talent but as a legitimate contender for the championship. His new contract reflected Red Bull’s commitment to him as their future star.

Hamilton, on the other hand, entered a new stratosphere in terms of earnings. By 2019, he was earning around $50 million annually, thanks to his success on the track and lucrative endorsements. The Brit had claimed his fifth and sixth world titles in 2018 and 2019, further cementing his legacy. In addition to his base salary, Hamilton also benefited from performance-based bonuses, which pushed his total earnings to an estimated $60-70 million annually during these years.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had minimal impact on the earnings of the sport’s top stars. Both Hamilton and Verstappen continued to earn significant sums despite the shortened season. Hamilton won his record-equaling seventh world title in 2020, which only enhanced his marketability and financial clout. Verstappen, though not yet a champion, had firmly established himself as a future title contender, with his salary approaching $25 million.

The financial landscape in Formula 1 shifted dramatically in 2022, as Verstappen claimed his first World Championship in 2021 after a dramatic final-race showdown with Hamilton. Red Bull rewarded Verstappen with one of the most lucrative contracts in F1 history. By 2022, Verstappen’s salary had skyrocketed to around $50 million per year, putting him on par with Hamilton. This marked a significant shift, as Verstappen was now not only a world champion but also one of the highest-paid drivers in the sport.

Hamilton, while still among the top earners, saw his salary remain steady at around $50 million annually. Although Mercedes struggled to match Red Bull’s dominance in 2022 and 2023, Hamilton’s earnings remained substantial due to his status and off-track endorsements.

By 2024, both drivers were earning similar figures, with salaries in the $50-55 million range. Verstappen’s contract includes numerous performance-related bonuses, which have the potential to push his total earnings even higher. Hamilton, now in his late 30s, remains one of the sport’s most marketable stars, and his salary reflects his enduring value to Mercedes and Formula 1 as a whole.

The salary trajectories of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen highlight their contrasting paths to the top of Formula 1. Hamilton, a dominant force since the mid-2010s, has consistently been among the highest earners, while Verstappen’s rise to financial parity came with his ascent to championship glory. As both drivers continue to shape the future of F1, their salaries reflect not just their talent but also their immense influence in the sport.