Lance Stroll's Aston Martin Salary Revealed in Company Accounts

Company accounts filed in the UK have offered a rare glimpse into Lance Stroll’s salary from Aston Martin under his latest contract agreement. The Canadian driver, uniquely positioned as the son of Aston Martin's executive chairman, Lawrence Stroll, has had aspects of his financial arrangement become public record through the UK’s Companies House.

Why it matters:

Driver salaries are typically shrouded in secrecy, making this public disclosure for Lance Stroll an unusual insight into the financial dealings within Formula 1. It provides a concrete, albeit nuanced, figure for one driver, offering a basis for comparison within the grid and highlighting the unique financial dynamics when a driver's family owns the team.

The Details:

• Public Disclosure: Company accounts for AMR GP, a subsidiary of AMR Performance Group Limited, reveal transactions with Golden Eagle Racing Limited, the company housing Lance Stroll's racing activities.
• Contractual Payments: For the 2024 F1 season, Golden Eagle Racing Ltd. received $12.3 million. This marks a significant increase from $5.608 million in 2023, suggesting a substantial pay rise for Stroll after his contract renegotiation.
• Services Rendered: It's important to note that the $12.3 million figure is for Stroll's provision of services. This means the payment likely covers not only his direct salary but also remuneration for his personal team, including management, trainers, physiotherapists, and consultants for fitness and nutrition.
• Comparative Standing: If Stroll were to pocket the entire gross figure, his salary would place him in the middle tier of F1 drivers, matching reported figures like Pierre Gasly's anticipated 2025 Alpine salary ($12 million) and surpassing drivers like Esteban Ocon ($6 million) and Nico Hulkenberg ($5 million).
• Perks: While Stroll's exact take-home pay remains elusive, both he and teammate Fernando Alonso benefit from a free fleet vehicle provided under a sponsorship agreement between AMR GP and Aston Martin Lagonda.
• Sponsorship Income: Aston Martin also received $500,000 in sponsorship income from Stroll’s racing company.

The Big Picture:

While the $12.3 million figure represents a substantial sum, it pales in comparison to the salaries of F1's top earners. Max Verstappen's reported $75 million at Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton's $57 million move to Ferrari highlight the vast financial disparities on the grid. Even George Russell's new Mercedes contract, rumored to be around £30 million annually, significantly outstrips Stroll's publicly hinted earnings.

What's next:

This disclosure, while offering a rare peek behind the curtain, underscores the complexities of F1 driver contracts and team finances. It provides a benchmark for understanding driver market value and the financial structures underpinning a team with a family connection to one of its drivers. Future account filings may continue to offer insights, though the full extent of driver earnings will likely remain a closely guarded secret for most on the grid.