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Max Verstappen’s remarkable achievement of securing his fourth Formula 1 world championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix is clouded by a significant financial setback for the Dutch driver. While his championship triumph is a major milestone, the 2024 season has been a challenging one for Verstappen, with a noticeable drop in earnings compared to last year.
A Challenging Season for Verstappen
Although Verstappen clinched the 2024 title, the season has been far from easy. McLaren, with Lando Norris leading the charge, steadily outpaced Red Bull as the year progressed, making it one of Verstappen’s toughest seasons yet. Despite his impressive consistency and a crucial win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which helped secure his fourth title, Red Bull’s performance issues left Verstappen with more obstacles than he faced in previous years.
At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen finished in fifth place, while Norris ended up in sixth. This result ensured Verstappen’s world title, but Norris now sets his sights on 2025, hoping to challenge for his first-ever world championship.
Verstappen’s Earnings in 2024
While Verstappen’s on-track performance has continued to cement his place as one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history, his earnings for the 2024 season are set to be lower than those of 2023. According to Marca, Verstappen’s total earnings at the end of 2024 will be significantly reduced from the previous year.
According to Marca.com In 2023, Verstappen enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons in F1 history, winning 19 of the 22 races, a feat that contributed to his impressive €81 million salary (roughly £67 million). Forbes reported that Verstappen earned around €1.5 million per victory, along with bonuses for podium finishes.
A Major Decline in 2024 Earnings
However, the 2024 season has seen a sharp decrease in Verstappen’s performance, with the Red Bull driver winning only eight races. As a result, his bonuses will amount to €12 million—far less than the previous year. Marca estimates that Verstappen’s total salary at the end of the 2024 season will be around €67 million (approximately £56 million), still the highest salary in the F1 grid, but a noticeable decline from 2023’s earnings.
Looking Ahead
Despite this financial dip, Verstappen remains the highest-paid driver on the grid, and his fourth world title is a testament to his skill and perseverance. As McLaren and other teams continue to close the gap, Verstappen and Red Bull will need to regroup and adapt for the 2025 season, with hopes of returning to the dominant form that marked his 2023 campaign.
For Verstappen, while the 2024 season has brought both challenges and financial losses, his continued success on the track ensures his status as one of the top earners in Formula 1.
