In the unbelievably thrilling world of Formula 1, a driver’s skill extends far beyond merely crossing the finish line. Beyond the excitement of races and heart-stopping manoeuvres, there’s a compelling narrative of financial triumphs and recognition for those who navigate the racetrack’s twists and turns with unparalleled finesse. With the sport’s popularity skyrocketing internationally, partly attributed to the blockbuster Netflix series Drive to Survive, rivers are now cashing in on lucrative pay cheques.
In case you’re one of the many Formula 1 fans who also enjoys placing a good bet on your favourite racer, there are dedicated platforms for that. And if you’re a relative new-comer, you’ll also be happy to discover that many online casinos promote exclusive no deposit bonuses and free spins also have sports betting options integrated on their sites. Just be sure they have all the necessary licensing and up to scratch to legally operate in your jurisdiction.
Let’s take a look at the highest earning Formula One drivers of 2024.
1. Max Verstappen – $70M
Fresh off his third consecutive Formula 1 championship, clinching victory in 19 races and surpassing his own record from the previous season, where he secured a comparatively modest 15 victories, Verstappen asserts himself as a genuine superstar. At the tender age of 25 and tethered by a contract securing his place at Red Bull until at least 2028, it’s a safe bet to anticipate the Dutchman’s ongoing dominance on the F1 circuit for years to come.
It’s hardly a surprise to find Verstappen leading this list, and we can confidently predict that he will consistently rank among F1’s highest-earning drivers throughout the majority of his career.
2. Lewis Hamilton – $55M
Former Formula 1 golden boy, Lewis Hamilton, has recently experienced quite a significant fall from grace, only making it to the podium in six races this past season. Moreover, Hamilton faced back-to-back winless seasons, an unusual turn of events in his illustrious 17-year Formula 1 career where he had secured at least one Grand Prix victory in every other season. Despite his age and less-than-stellar performance, Hamilton seems poised for redemption, having signed a multiyear deal with Mercedes, indicating his readiness to reclaim his position as the top dog.
3. Fernando Alonso – $34M
Certainly proving that he still possesses remarkable skills, Alonso secured a commendable fourth position in his inaugural season with Aston Martin after a two-year stint with Alpine. The immensely popular Spaniard holds the distinction of being the oldest driver on the 2024 Formula 1 grid, yet his driving prowess evidently hasn’t diminished as he navigates through his fifth decade.
4. Sergio Pérez – $26M
Pérez clinched victories in two of the first four races of the season, showcasing his capability to hold his own alongside his formidable Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen. Despite this early success, a midseason dip in performance sparked speculation about Red Bull potentially seeking a replacement for him in 2024. However, Pérez currently remains under contract through the upcoming season and has dismissed rumours suggesting he might contemplate retirement at the age of 33.
5. Charles Leclerc – $19M
During the summer, a report circulated, suggesting that Leclerc, who secured fifth place on the grid this season following a second-place finish in 2022, had agreed to a ground-breaking contract extension with Ferrari. Positioned to potentially become the face of F1 in the near future, Leclerc faces the formidable task of eventually surpassing Max Verstappen, a challenge that is far from easy. Yet, regardless of whether Leclerc ascends to become a championship-winning driver or fades into obscurity, financial concerns are unlikely to be a hindrance for him.
