Expected salaries for F1 drivers in 2021: Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton in F1 bonuses

With Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, Formula 1 is experiencing one of the toughest title fights ever. After the British GP DNF, the gap between the duo has dropped to less than 20 points, which gives the title race more spice.

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Interestingly, their rivalry is not limited to the actions on the track, but also off the track. Forbes has published the results of the Formula 1 drivers for the 2021 season.

Of course, the past has always portrayed Hamilton leading a lone race and getting paid high while the others were far away. However, for the first time in years, there is another driver that is approaching the British in terms of annual earnings. And it’s pretty obvious who that driver is, but let’s spell it for you – Max Verstappen.

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Lewis Hamilton versus Max Verstappen

Hamilton still holds pole position in the battle for wins but isn’t necessarily far from the rest of the field. The seven-time world champion is on his way to earn a grand total of $ 62 million. Of the handsome figure, $ 55 million will be his base salary, while the remaining $ 7 million will be bonuses for race wins.

This year’s potential earnings on the track will be just $ 4 million less than his 2020 earnings, which saw Hamilton win a whopping $ 66 million.

Formula 1 F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, ​​Spain – May 9, 2021 Mercedes-Benz winner Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium REUTERS / Albert Gea

Behind the British stands the Flying Dutchman, Verstappen.

The Red Bull driver enjoyed a massive raise this season, forecasting his grand total of around $ 42 million, which also includes incredible $ 17 million in bonuses. This means that Verstappen ranks second on the list of results.

The final “podium” position could go to returning F1 champion Fernando Alonso, whose numbers could climb to a respectable $ 25 million.

What do the top 10 look like?

Behind the trilogy of Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso appears the other Red Bull driver Sergio Perez. The Mexican will make around $ 18 million including bonuses worth $ 13 million.

Sebastian Vettel, who recently moved to Aston Martin, is the fifth highest paid Formula 1 driver in 2021. His salary could reach $ 15 million. Then comes Monegasse Charles Leclerc, whose annual earnings could be around $ 12 million, ahead of Valtteri Bottas’ $ 10 million.

Formula 1 F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, ​​Spain – May 8, 2021 Mercedes-Lewis Hamilton celebrates pole position after qualifying with Mercedes-Valtteri Bottas, who finished third REUTERS / Emilio Morenatti

Daniel Ricciardo remains in the top 10 in 2021 despite his struggles by the wayside. The Australian could make a total of $ 10 million without bonuses. His McLaren teammate Lando Norris lands on P9, with his salary potentially rising as high as $ 9 million.

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Given how the Briton has done this season, his 2022 salary will definitely blow the roof. Norris’ bromance colleague Carlos Sainz secures last place in the top 10 with an estimated earnings of $ 8 million in 2021.

Will their annual salary decrease overall in 2022 as some drivers perform upside down in the top 10?

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View history: F1 Driver Salaries Revealed: How Much Do Lewis Hamilton & Co. Make?