Although official numbers are always kept 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. Next is Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) with $55 million – having the highest base salary ($55 million).
This podium is closed by Fernando Alonso, who at 42 years old earned $34 million at Aston Martin – despite not being one of the main teams. Then, still in the top five, Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) appears 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:
1.º Max Verstappen (Red Bull) : 70 millions de dollars – 45 millions de dollars de salaire + 25 millions de dollars de bonus
2.º Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) : 55 millions de dollars – 55 millions de dollars de salaire
3.º Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) : 34 millions de dollars – 24 millions de dollars de salaire + 10 millions de dollars de bonus
4.º Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) : 26 millions de dollars – 10 millions de dollars de salaire + 16 millions de dollars de bonus
5.º Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) : 19 millions de dollars – 14 millions de dollars de salaire + 5 millions de dollars de bonus
6.º Lando Norris (McLaren) : 15 millions de dollars – 5 millions de dollars de salaire + 10 millions de dollars de bonus
7.º Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) : 14 millions de dollars – 8 millions de dollars de salaire + 6 millions de dollars de bonus
8.º George Russell (Mercedes) : 9 millions de dollars – 4 millions de dollars de salaire + 5 millions de dollars de bonus
9.º Pierre Gasly (Alpine) : 8 millions de dollars – 5 millions de dollars de salaire + 3 millions de dollars de bonus
9.º Oscar Piastri (McLaren) : 8 millions de dollars – 3 millions de dollars de salaire + 5 millions de dollars de bonus
