
After years with Mercedes, the seven-time world champion of the Formula 1, Lewis Hamiltonsaid farewell to the German stable for join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. A transfer that has shaken the F1 world, but also comes with a rumor: Hamilton has reportedly signed a record contract with Ferrari, with an estimated annual salary of €60 million. But what is this rumor worth? We take a look at the facts.
Rumours of a record salary
As soon as he announced his signing with Scuderia Ferrarispeculation has been rife as to the size of his salary. According to numerous media reports, Hamilton is set to become the highest paid F1 driver of all time with a salary of $60 million. (around 55 million euros) a year. The source of this information was the Forbes website, renowned for its reliable ranking of the highest-paid sportsmen and women, particularly in the world of F1.
However, a closer look at the information from Forbes reveals that these figures are actually estimates, not confirmed facts. In 2024, Max Verstappen remains the highest-paid driverHamilton's salary at Mercedes is $60 million, with additional bonuses. Hamilton's salary at Mercedes is around $55 million, with an additional $2 million in bonuses.
What we know about Ferrari's situation and salaries
The Forbes website in no way confirms that Hamilton will earn $60 million at Ferrari. What it does say is that Ferrari drivers for 2025 (including Charles Leclerc and Hamilton) negotiate major pay rises. The precise details of these contracts remain unclear, but it is plausible that Ferrari offers Hamilton a salary that exceeds Verstappen'swhose remuneration is currently the highest.
Ferrari seems intent on making a profitable investment with the recruitment of Hamilton. This transfer could enable the Scuderia to increase its income from track days with VIP clients, merchandising, as well as increasing sponsorship potential. Whether Hamilton is actually paid $60 million or not, his arrival at Ferrari could bring substantial financial benefits for the team.
Max Verstappen still tops the wage charts
Although the Hamilton rumour is attractive, it should be noted that Max Verstappen is still F1's highest-paid driver. According to the latest Forbes ranking, Verstappen earns $75 million in 2024, including $60 million in salary and $15 million in bonuses. The Red Bull Racing driver not only dominated the season on the circuit by being world champion in 2024, but also enjoys the financial benefits offered by a lucrative contract. A contract he may also have renegotiated for 2025.
Behind Verstappen and Hamilton, other drivers such as Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso complete the line-up. Top 5 highest salaries in F1. Lando Norris, with his first Grand Prix successes, has seen his salary rise to $35 million in 2024, while Alonso earns around $27.5 million.
F1 on a par with soccer in terms of remuneration?
It is interesting to note that thehe salaries of F1 drivers are beginning to approach those of soccer stars. In 2024, the top ten F1 salaries total $317 million, a significant increase on previous years. Although F1 drivers' salaries do not yet rival those of Cristiano Ronaldo ($285 million) or Lionel Messi ($135 million), they show an upward trend that could well continue in the years to come.
Top 10 salaries for F1 drivers in 2024 :
- Max Verstappen - $75 million
- Lewis Hamilton - $57 million
- Lando Norris - $35 million
- Fernando Alonso - $27.5 million
- Charles Leclerc - $27 million
- George Russell - $23 million
- Oscar Piastri - $22 million
- Sergio Pérez - $19.5 million
- Carlos Sainz - $19 million
- Pierre Gasly - $12 million
Sorry for my comment, but we're not straying a bit from the topics at hand 🤔🤔🤔 we know they're not on minimum wage, that's for sure!
But above all, we come to ital passion for the latest news about Italian brands and the new models they are preparing 😉
It doesn't matter how much Hamilton earns. What's going to be interesting is whether he can adapt to Ferrari, and whether he'll be as fast as Leclerc.
If not, he'll be an ex-world champion with a glorious past. This year, Russell has done better overall than his team-mate, which is a little worrying for Hamilton.
If you put Schumacher's 120 million euros over 3 seasons (2002, 2003 and 2004) at today's cost of living, that's 40 million per season and above, I think. But that's more than enough.