Formula 1 drivers are the highest risk-takers in the motorsport world. F1 cars are the world's fastest cars in the corners. Even if they make a small mistake in cutting the corners, they will be crashing big into the walls. We all remember the big fire accident of Romain Grosjean at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Everything comes at a cost for them. For all their efforts to reach perfection and risking their lives, the drivers are paid huge amounts of money by Formula 1 teams. On this note, let us check the top 10 highest-paid Formula 1 drivers in the 2024 season.
Also Read: Winning the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship is a costly mistake made by Max Verstappen
Salaries of the Formula 1 drivers
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
The French man was the biggest reason behind Alpine clinching the 6th place in the constructor's championship. He is a consistent performer and even finished on the podium in the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix alongside Max Verstappen and his teammate Esteban Ocon.
He continued his good form in Qatar by finishing fifth and in Abu dhabi with a seventh place finish ahead of Haas driver Hulkenberg which helped them to get some additional millions. He is rewarded with 12 million dollars this year, 10 million dollars as a driver's salary and 2 million dollars as a bonus for all his achievements.
9. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
The Spaniard was spectacular in the second half of this year's Formula 1 season where he dominated his teammate Charles Leclerc and scored more points for the team. He will now race for Williams from next year leaving way for Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari and their Tifosi will be forever grateful to Carlos Sainz for all his achievements and races. He earned 19 million dollars this year with 10 million dollars as a driver's salary and 9 million dollars as a bonus for his achievements in 2024.
Also checkout: In Pics: Carlos Sainz turns into a race mechanic to get his Williams car fixed
8. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
The Mexican had the most disappointing year in his entire Formula 1 career. But last year he finished second to Max verstappen in the driver's title. He was a key member behind Red Bull’s 2023 constructors title win. He is getting paid 19.5 million dollars with 7.5 million as a bonus. He may or may not stay in Red Bull next season but we always remember Checo’s great achievements in Formula 1.
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
The Australian driver is easily the rising star of this year. He is the biggest reason behind McLaren’s first constructor's championship title after 26 years. At one point he even dominated his teammate Lando Norris and won two races. He is expected to stay with McLaren for at least two more years and is a world championship material that the Alpine team missed. He will earn 22 million dollars as his annual salary with 5 million as salary and 17 million as a bonus. Next year, his salary will reciprocate with his current bonus money.
6. George Russell (Mercedes)
Dominating Lewis Hamilton for an entire season is the hardest thing to do. But a man, who considers Lewis his racing idol raced along with him and finally dominated him. The Name is George Russell the British driver, who will lead the Silver Arrows from next year alongside Kimi Antonelli. He finished sixth in the driver's standings with two race wins and consistent podium finishes. The Silver team will pay him 23 million dollars with 15 million dollars as a driver's salary and an 8 million bonus.
5.Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
The Monegasque driver is simply Ferrari’s favourite to win the world championship. He is part of 'Project ferrari', which is winning the world title. He finished third in the driver's championship next to Max and Lando. He came very close to winning Ferrari’s first constructors championship in many years, but couldnt break through. But next year, he will join with 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, making them the strongest pair on the grid. He will earn 27 million dollars as his annual salary this year, with 15 million as a driver's salary and 12 million as a bonus.
4. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
The Oldest horse still running quick in Formula 1 is Fernando Alonso the two-time world champion. With all his experience and skills he is a big asset for any team. Aston Martin will be very grateful to have him in their team. This year is not that great for them as the latter half went completely downhill.
But they finished in fifth place in the constructor's championship next to Mercedes. Fernando is the prime contributor to the team with key points. He will earn 24 million dollars as a driver's salary and 3.5 million dollars as a bonus adding them he will take 27.5 million dollars home.
3.Lando Norris (McLaren)
The runner-up of the 2024 drivers championship, Lando Norris, will earn 35 million dollars as his salary, mostly from the bonus. His driver's salary is 12 million dollars adding victories and podium finishes, he will get a bonus of 23 million dollars. This year he came very close to winning his first world title. For 2025 he is confident of clinching his first driver's title. McLaren will treat him very special as he is the one who gave them their long-awaited constructors championship.
Also Read: Ferrari signs a bigger deal than Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2025 Season
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
The greatest driver of all time is the second-highest earner this season with 57 million dollars as his annual salary. This year he made a shocking move by announcing that he would move from Mercedes to Ferrari, only the third driver to do so after Fangio and Michael. His move shook the share market and ferrari share grew 6% in a single day. This year has been rough for the great with only two victories one in Belgium and another in his home race. But he finished big with a fourth-place finish in the final race at Abu Dhabi.
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
No surprise! The world champion Max verstappen is always the best driver in Formula 1 for the last 4 years. He deserves to be the highest-paid driver in F1. But unlike last year where he won races for fun, this time it went crazy. Red Bull lost their plot mid of the season, and McLaren started their surge in the points table. After fighting hard with the Papaya army, showing unbelievable skill in the rain, Max won his fourth title in Las Vegas.
He will earn a whopping 75 million dollars, with 60 million as a driver's salary and 15 million as a bonus. Lando Norris is the biggest reason for the bonus slump. The Dutchman will not be happy about that and will wait for his revenge next season. 2025 will be the final season with the current engine regulations implemented in 2014.
ALSO WATCH: Lando Norris living the 'Thug life' in Monaco, roaming in an old Ferrari after crushing them
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