Top 10 Highest Paid Race Car Drivers in the World
Ever wondered how much your favorite race car drivers make? Spoiler alert: it’s a lot! These speed demons are not only blazing fast on the track but also bringing in some serious cash. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 highest-paid race car drivers in the world and how much they’re raking in each year.
1. Lewis Hamilton – $55 Million
Lewis Hamilton is not just a name; he’s a brand. The British Formula 1 legend tops the list with a staggering $55 million annual income. His base salary from Mercedes alone is around $40 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
But Hamilton doesn’t stop there. His endorsement deals with big brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, and Puma add another $15 million to his earnings. No wonder he’s a seven-time World Champion!
2. Max Verstappen – $50 Million
Hot on Hamilton’s heels is Max Verstappen, the Dutch superstar. Verstappen’s earnings have skyrocketed, especially after clinching his World Championships. He pulls in around $40 million from his contract with Red Bull Racing.
In addition to his salary, Verstappen’s sponsorships with companies like Jumbo Supermarkets and G-Star Raw bring in another $10 million. At just 26 years old, Verstappen is already one of the wealthiest athletes in motorsport.
3. Fernando Alonso – $30 Million
Fernando Alonso might be a veteran, but his earning power hasn’t slowed down one bit. The Spanish driver, currently with Aston Martin, earns a solid $20 million from his contract.
Alonso also has lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Kimoa and Citibank, which add an extra $10 million to his income. With two World Championships under his belt, Alonso continues to be one of the highest-paid drivers in Formula 1.
4. Sebastian Vettel – $20 Million
Even in retirement, Sebastian Vettel’s earnings are impressive. Before hanging up his helmet, Vettel was pulling in around $15 million annually from his contract with Aston Martin.
His endorsements with brands like Casio and Infiniti added another $5 million to his income. Although he’s no longer racing, Vettel’s career earnings and smart investments have ensured he remains one of the richest figures in the sport.
5. Kimi Räikkönen – $18 Million
Known as the “Iceman,” Kimi Räikkönen had a cool $18 million annual income during his final years in Formula 1. His salary from Alfa Romeo was about $10 million, but Kimi’s popularity and marketability added another $8 million through endorsements.
Räikkönen’s deals with companies like Oakley and Wrangler, along with his no-nonsense attitude, made him a fan favorite and a top earner in the sport.
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6. Valtteri Bottas – $15 Million
Valtteri Bottas might not have the titles that some of his peers do, but his bank account is still quite healthy. The Finnish driver earns around $10 million from his contract with Alfa Romeo.
Bottas also brings in an additional $5 million from endorsements with brands like Wihuri and Polar. His consistent performances on the track ensure that he stays among the top earners in Formula 1.
7. Sergio Pérez – $12 Million
Sergio “Checo” Pérez has become a key player in Formula 1, and his earnings reflect that. Pérez’s contract with Red Bull Racing is worth about $8 million per year, a significant increase since joining the top team.
Beyond his salary, Pérez’s popularity in Mexico and his deals with companies like Telcel and Claro bring in another $4 million, making him one of the top-earning drivers in the sport.
8. Daniel Ricciardo – $10 Million
Daniel Ricciardo’s infectious smile and talent on the track have earned him a solid $10 million annual income. His last contract with McLaren was worth around $7 million, and his marketability added another $3 million through endorsements.
Ricciardo’s partnerships with brands like GoPro and Beats by Dre have made him one of the most recognizable faces in Formula 1, ensuring his earnings stay high even during the ups and downs of his career.
9. Charles Leclerc – $9 Million
Charles Leclerc, the young Monegasque star driving for Ferrari, brings in $9 million annually. His contract with Ferrari is valued at around $6 million, a hefty sum for someone of his age.
Leclerc also has endorsement deals with brands like Richard Mille and Scuderia Ferrari, which add another $3 million to his yearly income. With his talent and growing popularity, Leclerc’s earnings are only expected to rise.
10. Lando Norris – $8 Million
Rounding out our list is Lando Norris, the British driver for McLaren. Norris has quickly made a name for himself, earning around $5 million from his racing contract.
Norris also capitalizes on his young fanbase with endorsements from brands like Bell Helmets and McLaren itself, adding another $3 million to his earnings. As one of the most promising drivers in Formula 1, Norris’s income is likely to keep increasing.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the top 10 highest-paid race car drivers in the world. These drivers aren’t just fast on the track; they’re also fast at filling up their bank accounts. From Hamilton’s mega-millions to Norris’s rising star, these drivers prove that in motorsport, speed pays. Whether it’s through their contracts, endorsements, or both, these racers are living proof that racing is as much about the money as it is about the thrill.