Why would anyone dedicate their whole lives to going the fastest on a particular stretch of road at dangerously high speeds? Well, the first answer is obviously passion. However, in close second, it definitely has to be the monetary compensation the Formula 1 drivers receive for their talent. With that logic, the more talent you have, the more money you make from Formula 1. That’s absolutely correct! The more you win, the more you make. It’s as simple as that. Keeping that in mind, let’s look at the salary of one of the most talented drivers on the grid, Max Verstappen.

Verstappen signed a one-of-a-kind and never-heard-of mega contract with Red Bull. The unique contract not only tied him down to the Austrian team for SEVEN long years. However, no driver would agree to such a lengthy contract with a fixed salary unless it comes along with a hefty compensation package.

The current salary of Max Verstappen under his long-lasting contract at Red Bull

This mega-contract is not called mega only because of the length of the contract. It also makes you the highest earner on the grid. This is exactly what the contract Verstappen signed three months after winning the 2021 championship did.

As a reward for bringing the trophy back to Milton Keynes, Red Bull rewarded Verstappen with a massive $55 million per annum salary. This made Lewis Hamilton‘s–the previous highest earner on the grid–$35 million salary, look like peanuts.

The Dutchman’s loyalty and first major achievement were rewarded with, well, an offer of continued loyalty and a big bag of cash. This mega salary put Verstappen head and shoulders above the competition, at least in terms of salaries. Good thing driver salaries aren’t part of the budget cap restrictions.

Read More: Despite Pocketing $5,000,000 More Salary Than Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen Gets Beaten in an Elite Money Battle

Let’s not forget Verstappen’s bonus for winning the championship as well, which he has in the past three seasons. We are not sure what the amount was for 2021 and 2022. However, for winning the 2023 season, the Dutchman will get a staggering bonus of $25 million. Talk about a good winter bonus!

However, with new contracts being signed around the paddock, is Verstappen still the highest earner on the grid?

Will Lewis Hamilton’s new contract make him the highest earner on the grid again?

Well, for now, Verstappen reminds the highest earner on the grid in terms of his F1 salary alone. However, after much deliberation and months of delay, Mercedes convinced Hamilton to put pen to paper. The Brit signed a contract extension for two years and will don the Mercedes overalls till 2025.

Additionally, this contract, albeit not on the track, will make Hamilton get the better of the Dutchman.

Hamilton’s new contract will see him earn a whopping $60 million a year till 2025. This will put Hamilton back on top of the highest earner’s list from the next season onwards.

The seven-time world champion might be down on his luck, but he’ll still be earning the big bucks. After seven championships and making the Mercedes brand in F1 what it is today, he deserves to make this kind of money as well.

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton remains unwavering in his determination to halt Max Verstappen’s dominance, despite enduring significant neglect from the FIA

The modern-day rivals are battling it out on all fronts. Although we would very much like to see this battle make its way to the track once more.