Verstappen’s New Salary Breaks the $100 Million Per Year Barrier

Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull contract reportedly makes him F1’s first $100 million-per-year driver. Joe Saward reports the four-time champion’s extension through 2030 includes a base salary of around $100 million, with bonuses that could push it past $120 million — ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Why it matters:

The deal resets the driver market and raises expectations: a record payday brings pressure to deliver a title-winning car.

The details:

• Saward says Verstappen’s previous deal paid $75 million per year, signed in early 2022 and originally covering 2024-2028.
• The new contract is reportedly worth around $100 million base, with bonuses potentially above $120 million — roughly €102 million per year.
• That puts Verstappen ahead of Hamilton, who reportedly earns around €60 million at Ferrari. Charles Leclerc is third at about €29 million.

What's next:

Verstappen refused to discuss contract details at Zandvoort. His father Jos said Red Bull must rediscover its performance, but confidence in the project was key.

Helmut Marko believes Verstappen set clear conditions before committing, but isn’t sure it will show on track immediately. If Verstappen completes the deal, he’ll have spent 15 seasons with Red Bull.