Forbes recently unveiled its annual list of the highest-paid athletes, and among the stars from various sports, Max Verstappen stands out as one of the top earners. The Dutch Formula 1 driver has made a significant impact both on and off the track, securing a staggering income that places him in the 17th spot globally.
Verstappen’s success in Formula 1 has been nothing short of remarkable. With three successive World titles under his belt and a fourth likely in 2024, he has established himself as the dominant force in the sport. His on-track earnings account for a substantial $81 million.
Max Verstappen is the 17th highest-paid athlete of 2024, according to Forbes
1. Cristiano Ronaldo $260M
2. Jon Rahm $218M
3. Lionel Messi $135M17. Max Verstappen $81M
Other F1 drivers in the list:
21. Lewis Hamilton $69M pic.twitter.com/qh7briwpFx— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) May 16, 2024
Max Verstappen’s rival and former F1 champion, Lewis Hamilton, trails closely behind. Hamilton, despite holding records for the most wins, poles, and podiums in F1 history, collected $69 million during the same period. His earnings are more evenly split between on-track income ($57 million) and off-track endorsements ($12 million).
Max Verstappen and Hamilton managed to outshine other sporting icons, including San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, golf legend Tiger Woods, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, and boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. However, the top spot on the list went to football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who earned a jaw-dropping $260 million—$200 million from playing and $60 million from endorsements.
Max Verstappen: The Young Sensation Who Conquered Spain
Max Emilian Verstappen, born on September 30, 1997, is a Belgian-Dutch racing driver competing in Formula One. Representing Red Bull Racing, Verstappen has made waves in the motorsport world with his exceptional talent and fearless driving style.
In the 2015 Formula One season, Verstappen made history by becoming the youngest driver ever to compete in a World Championship race. At the tender age of 17 years and 166 days, he joined Scuderia Toro Rosso’s race drivers’ lineup alongside teammate Carlos Sainz. The venue for this momentous occasion was the Australian Grand Prix.
However, it was at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix that Verstappen truly etched his name in the record books. Having moved up to the parent team, Red Bull Racing, after just four races, he was handed the opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. And boy, did he deliver
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