Although the official numbers are always secret, every year Forbes magazine makes a list of Formula 1 drivers’ salaries, and 2023 was no exception. Naturally, the numbers are astronomical.
The highest paid of all is champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull), with estimated earnings of $70 million – $45 million in fixed salary plus $25 million in bonuses. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) follows with $55 million – having the highest base salary ($55 million).
This podium is closed by Fernando Alonso, who at 42 years old will have earned $34 million at Aston Martin – despite not being one of the main teams. Next, still in the top five, are Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) with a total of $26 million and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who earned $19 million last year.
At the opposite end of the top ten highest paid F1 drivers are Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and rookie Oscar Piastri (McLaren), who each pocketed $8 million last year.
Top 10 highest paid F1 drivers in 2023:
1st Max Verstappen (Red Bull): $70 million – $45 million salary + $25 million bonus
2nd Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): $55 million – $55 million salary
3rd Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): $34 million – $24 million salary + $10 million bonus
4th Sergio Pérez (Red Bull): $26 million – $10 million salary + $16 million bonus
5th Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): $19 million – $14 million salary + $5 million bonus
6th Lando Norris (McLaren): $15 million – $5 million salary + $10 million bonus
7th Carlos Sainz (Ferrari): $14 million – $8 million salary + $6 million bonus
8th George Russell (Mercedes): $9 million – $4 million salary + $5 million bonus
9th Pierre Gasly (Alpine): $8 million – $5 million salary + $3 million bonus
9th Oscar Piastri (McLaren): $8 million – $3 million salary + $5 million bonus
