Max Verstappen Tight-Lipped on Reported $70 Million Earnings Amid Stellar 2023 Season

Red Bull Driver’s Contract Extension and Record-Breaking Performance Spark Speculation Over Financial Package

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, remained elusive when questioned about rumors surrounding his estimated earnings of $70 million during the extraordinary 2023 season. Red Bull had announced a long-term contract extension for Verstappen on the eve of the 2022 campaign, securing his commitment until 2028. Speculations suggest the deal is valued at $45 million annually, making Verstappen the highest-paid driver on the grid.

The reported $70 million figure includes Verstappen’s base salary and additional earnings attributed to his exceptional on-track success. With 19 victories and 21 podiums out of 22 races in the 2023 season, Verstappen earned an extra $25 million in bonuses. This surpasses the reputed $35 million annual salary of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who faced challenges with Mercedes’ performance struggles in the latest regulation cycle.

When asked about the speculated financial package, Verstappen maintained a cryptic stance, stating with a smile, “Maybe. I’m not sure.” The Dutch driver acknowledged that Red Bull would cover the cost of his FIA Superlicense points, reflecting his impressive 590 points from the past year, enabling him to defend his title in 2024.

While Verstappen has previously expressed a potential exit from F1 at the end of his contract, he now takes a more positive outlook on his future, noting, “I’m not in a rush to decide. These kind of things might change in the coming years.” However, he tempered expectations for the upcoming season, recognizing the challenge of replicating the remarkable statistics and records achieved in the exceptional 2023 campaign.