Formula 1 News: Max Verstappen 18th highest paid athlete in world

4-Time Formula 1 World Driving Champion Max Verstappen is the highest-earning Formula 1 driver for the year 2024, but more importantly he ranks high among all athletes.

According to the Sportico list, Verstappen’s total 2024 earnings amounted to $76 million.

This places him 18th worldwide, nestled comfortably between golfer Rory McIlroy and NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. Compared to the previous year, Verstappen has risen in ranking, having climbed from 22nd on Forbes’ list of top-paid athletes, demonstrating a steady increase in his financial gains as he further cements his place in the sport as one of the best.

Lewis Hamilton is the only other race driver to make the top 100, occupying the 22nd spot with an estimated income of $60 million. The earnings of athletes, including Verstappen, includes bonuses, prize money, and sponsorship deals. Collectively, the top 100 highest-paid athletes worldwide amassed earnings of approximately six billion euros in 2024.

Verstappen’s $76 million still pales in comparison to the highest-paid athlete in the world, soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, at $260 million. He is clearly overpaid as no athlete is worth that much money per year .

With that said, it is rumored that the Aston Martin F1 team has offered to pay Verstappen $1.2 billion over 5 years, which, if true, equates to $240 million per year, and with endorsements, could take him to the top spot in the world.