In the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1, where speed, skill, and strategy collide on the race track, a handful of elite drivers stand out not only for their prowess behind the wheel but also for their commanding presence on the earnings leaderboard. As the engines roar and the chequered flag waves, these athletes command the spotlight, capturing the imaginations of fans worldwide with their feats of speed and daring.
Max Verstappen
At the forefront of this elite cadre is Max Verstappen, a name synonymous with dominance in recent Formula 1 seasons. The Dutch phenom clinched his third consecutive Drivers’ Championship in spectacular fashion, shattering records with an astonishing 19 victories in the 2023 season alone. As a result, Max Verstappen holds an annual salary of USD 45 million, joined by bonuses of USD 25 million in the 2023 season. At just 26 years old, Verstappen’s meteoric rise to the top of the sport has solidified his status as one of the highest-paid athletes globally, a testament to his exceptional talent and marketability.
But Verstappen’s journey to Formula 1 glory has not been without its challenges. From intense rivalries to nail-biting finishes, each race has tested his resolve and sharpened his skills, culminating in a five-year contract extension with Red Bull Racing. As he continues to rewrite the history books, Verstappen’s star only burns brighter, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances on the track.
Lewis Hamilton
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Verstappen is a legend in his own right: Lewis Hamilton. With seven Drivers’ Championships to his name, Hamilton’s name is etched in Formula 1 folklore, his achievements rivalling those of the sport’s greatest icons. The British race car driver went out of form owing to an underperforming race car from Mercedes-AMG racing team. Lewis Hamilton earns an annual salary of USD 55 million. However, the 2023 season didn’t earn Hamilton any bonuses.
Fernando Alonso
For Fernando Alonso, the thrill of the race knows no bounds. The Spanish sensation, now racing for Aston Martin after stints with Alpine and other top teams, brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the track. From endurance racing to IndyCar, Alonso’s passion for motorsport keeps driving him to new heights of success and acclaim. Fernando Alonso earns an annual salary of USD 24 million, joined by USD 10 million bonuses in the 2023 Formula 1 season.
Sergio Pérez
Over the course of the 2022 and 2023 Formula 1 seasons, Sergio Pérez showcased his tenacity and skill behind the wheel. Racing for Red Bull Racing, Pérez faced the formidable challenge of partnering with Max Verstappen, one of the sport’s brightest talents. Despite the pressure, Pérez proved himself to be a valuable asset to the team, consistently delivering strong performances and contributing to Red Bull’s success on the track. Sergio Pérez takes home an annual salary of USD 10 million, which was joined by bonuses worth USD 16 million in the 2023 Formula 1 season.
Charles Leclerc
Following Pérez closely comes Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s star driver who is set to be joined by Lewis Hamilton from 2025 onwards. Charles Leclerc’s career in Formula 1 is a testament to talent, perseverance, and rapid ascent. Born on October 16, 1997, in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Leclerc began karting at a young age, swiftly rising through the ranks of motorsport.
His breakthrough came in 2016 when he dominated the GP3 Series, securing the championship title with ease. In 2018, he made his much-anticipated debut in Formula 1 with Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team and within one year, the Monegasque found a seat in Ferrari racing team. Leclerc draws an annual salary of USD 14 million, which was joined by USD 5 million bonus in the 2023 Formula 1 season.
Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch, born on May 2, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada, emerged as a formidable force in NASCAR with a lineage deeply rooted in motorsports, his older brother Kurt Busch being a successful NASCAR driver as well. Kyle’s career began with go-karts before swiftly ascending through the ranks, making his NASCAR debut in 2003.
Known for his aggressive driving style, Busch boasts over 100 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and multiple victories in the Cup Series, including prestigious events like the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. His crowning achievement came in 2015 when he clinched the NASCAR Cup Series championship. Despite occasional controversies, Busch’s versatility as a driver and his immense impact on NASCAR’s landscape solidify his place as one of the sport’s most celebrated figures, inspiring fans with his passion and tenacity on the track. Kyle Busch annual salary stands close to USD 17 million without any bonus money.
Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez is a legend in MotoGP, having carved his name into the sport at a young age. Nicknamed the “Ant of Cervera” for his stature, he has a ferocious riding style that has brought him immense success. After conquering the 125cc and Moto2 categories, he became the youngest ever MotoGP champion in his rookie year with Repsol Honda in 2013. He went on to secure an astonishing six more premier-class titles, establishing himself as one of the greatest riders of all time. In the 2023 racing season, Marc Marquez took home a base salary of USD 16 million, considerably more than any other MotoGP rider in that year.