Hamilton, Vettel, Alonso: F1 driver salaries as Verstappen set for huge pay rise

With the F1 season starting up again on March 20, the hype surrounding the sport is increasing more and more with each passing day, especially with the new rule changes coming into play, hopefully making the 2022 season even more exciting.

With these rule changes, drivers’ salaries are set to change also, but only a few switched teams over the break, so the changes in wages aren’t too extravagant.

However, Max Verstappen is rumoured to lead the way by quite some margin when it comes to pay rises.

The champion is reportedly going to sign a deal with Red Bull worth £40 million-a-year, which will put him level with seven-time champion and fierce rival Lewis Hamilton.

The Dutchman beat his British rival in one of the most controversial endings to an F1 season in 2021, overtaking him during the final lap of the season after a debatable Michael Masi decision as race director.

A winter transfer saw Valtteri Bottas leave the Silver Arrows to join Alfa Romeo, keeping his £10 million salary.

George Russell replaces Bottas from Williams and joins Hamilton at Mercedes, earning £5 million.

Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo also feature among the top five earners, with salaries of £20 million, £15 million and £15 million respectively.

Rookie Guanyu Zhou of Alfa Romeo is set to make £1 million as the only new driver on the grid, but also as the first ever full-time Chinese driver in F1 history.

Here’s the list in full:

MercedesLewis Hamilton: £40 millionGeorge Russell: £5 million

Red BullMax Verstappen: £40 million (Reportedly)Sergio Perez: £8 million

AlpineFernando Alonso: £20 millionEsteban Ocon: £5 million

Aston MartinSebastian Vettel: £15 millionLance Stroll: £10 million

McLarenDaniel Ricciardo: £15