Max Verstappen and Red Bull—a winning duo in F1 for the fourth consecutive year. The Dutch driver clinched his fourth career championship with two Grands Prix to spare, under the dazzling artificial lights of Las Vegas. However, the results in 2024 were less impressive compared to those, likely unmatchable, achieved last season.
Super Max matched the consecutive title streak of Sebastian Vettel with Red Bull, despite driving an RB20 that was significantly less phenomenal than the RB19. The latter, last year, dominated the scene with 21 wins in 22 Grands Prix, 19 of which were claimed by Jos Verstappen’s son. Those triumphs boosted Max Verstappen’s earnings thanks to various bonuses included in his contract.
Red Bull’s Victory Bonuses
Max Verstappen had to contend with stiffer competition in 2024. Despite a season start resembling 2023, Red Bull then struggled against its rivals. The Dutchman secured seven wins in the first ten races but went through a dry spell in the next ten Grands Prix.
The drought, which began after his victory in Spain, ended only in November in Brazil. In a chaotic race—where many expected Lando Norris to overturn the standings in the drivers’ championship—the RB20 came back to life, thanks to a stunning performance by Super Max.
Verstappen’s win tally thus stopped at eight, with two races left in the season. According to Fox Sports Mexico, the bonuses in his contract could have brought the four-time champion an additional $19 million. This would be the difference in total earnings compared to last year, even though the Milton Keynes team’s champion remains the highest-paid driver in Formula 1. His salary is approximately $70 million.
Leave a Reply