Lewis Hamilton poised to terminate partnership with Monster for Ferrari F1 move

Renowned seven-time world champion to embrace Ferrari's energy drink sponsor

Lewis Hamilton is preparing to end his long-standing partnership with Monster Energy in 2025 as he gets ready to join Ferrari in Formula 1.

Before the 2024 F1 season kicked off, Hamilton revealed that he would be ending his relationship with Mercedes to switch to Ferrari at the year's end.

In 2013, the British driver made the switch from McLaren to Mercedes and subsequently secured six of his seven world championships.

Since 2017, Hamilton has been associated with Monster as an athlete, and this partnership continued into 2024. That year, the brand ended its collaboration with Mercedes and formed a new alliance with McLaren.

Hamilton was able to participate in the ride exchange with MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi in Valencia in 2019 thanks to his connection with Monster.

SportBusiness reports that Hamilton's move to Ferrari will involve him partnering with a new energy drink sponsor, Celsius.

The American brand Celsius, known for its energy drinks, is a sponsor of the Ferrari team in Formula 1. It also supports several NASCAR teams in the United States and has Charles Leclerc as one of its brand ambassadors.

According to SportBusiness, a formal agreement between Celsius and Hamilton has not yet been finalized, though it is reportedly nearing completion.

Recently, an interview published in Speedweek featured KTM motorsport chief Pit Beirer, who disclosed that Lewis Hamilton's management team had entered into "very intriguing talks" regarding a potential investment in the struggling Austrian company.

KTM owes a minimum of €1.8 billion and is undergoing a restructuring process to avoid going bankrupt.

Although KTM has been permitted to operate as it is, the creditors are urging the brand to withdraw from MotoGP.

In a statement released just before Christmas, KTM affirmed its commitment to continue racing in 2025.

A recent report from KTM's initial creditors' meeting this month indicated that a minimum of three groups have shown interest in investing sums reaching €700 million.

In 2024, Hamilton has been associated with MotoGP on more than one occasion, with earlier reports suggesting that he was planning to purchase the Gresini team.

Hamilton refuted these claims but expressed his interest in becoming involved with MotoGP from a business perspective.

During a summer call with investors, Liberty Media, which has faced a delay in its purchase of MotoGP due to an investigation by the European Union, confirmed Lewis Hamilton's interest in MotoGP.

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"Decision to Choose George Russell Reflects Doubts in Lewis Hamilton's Abilities"

"The choice to place George in that position marked the end, as I mentioned previously. It's definitive."

Former Formula 1 team manager Peter Windsor has criticized Mercedes for not trusting Lewis Hamilton enough, taking aim at Toto Wolff's choice to swap out Valtteri Bottas for George Russell.

Valtteri Bottas was let go after five years with Mercedes, as George Russell was promoted from Williams to join the team for the 2022 Formula 1 season.

The collaboration between Hamilton and Bottas continued to dominate the F1 constructors’ championship, with the British driver securing four drivers' championships in that timeframe.

With Hamilton getting older and Bottas having difficulty maintaining top performance regularly, Russell was selected to join the team in 2022.

Former Ferrari and Williams team manager Windsor was questioned regarding Wolff’s remarks about Hamilton potentially departing the team, stating that "everyone has a shelf life."

Windsor believes that Wolff was getting ready to substitute Hamilton once Russell moved up to the Mercedes team.

"The moment he dismissed the driver he had been supporting and overseeing, Valtteri Bottas, and brought in George Russell instead, wasn't that Toto essentially indicating, 'we don't believe Lewis has much left to offer'?" Windsor remarked.

"We need a driver who is much faster than Valtteri. This new driver will replace Lewis. This transition took place in 2022. It shouldn't surprise us that he's now trying to connect his statements with the situation."

"It is understood that despite backing Valtteri for several years, his support came to an end, and that was the conclusion of his involvement."

Windsor is of the opinion that Hamilton's time with Mercedes effectively ended when Russell became a part of the team, emphasizing his belief that Bottas ought to have remained with the team for the 2022 season.

He expressed his opinion, saying, "In my view, Valtteri should have stayed. They ought to have retained Lewis as well. If you're committed to having Lewis on the team, then you have to trust in him fully. Keeping Lewis alongside Valtteri would have been the right decision."

"The moment they placed George in that position, it marked the end, just as I mentioned back then. That's how it is."

"As I foresaw at the close of 2022, Lewis' career had reached its conclusion."

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Max Verstappen's remarkable ability to handle wet conditions has drawn comparisons to legendary drivers Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. His outstanding win in Brazil is being likened to some of the most iconic wet-weather performances in Formula 1 history.

Max Verstappen's ability to drive in rainy conditions has been likened to the talents of Formula 1 greats Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.

Max Verstappen's remarkable win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after starting in 17th position, played a crucial role in securing his fourth consecutive world championship. His impressive drive earned him accolades from numerous individuals within the racing community.

Former F1 driver and current pundit Karun Chandhok praised Verstappen for his exceptional performance in challenging conditions, calling it a "masterclass" and comparing it to some of the most outstanding drives in wet weather throughout history.

During a discussion on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Chandhok expressed admiration, saying, "It was extremely impressive." He noted that on days with such weather conditions, visibility becomes a significant challenge. At the start of the race, drivers find themselves driving straight into a dense cloud of spray.

Max was the driver who appeared to gain traction, self-assurance, and skill to navigate through the traffic like no one else could. Meanwhile, Lando was unable to get past George, and several other drivers struggled to move up through the field.

Max was the sole driver able to make significant progress. It's important to remember that he began the race two positions behind Lewis Hamilton, who is also renowned for his skill in rainy conditions. However, on this particular day, Verstappen was the only one able to navigate through the field successfully.

The speaker believed that the driver was making a bold declaration with his performance. Once he took the lead, he didn't simply maintain his position. It was reminiscent of legendary races, such as Senna at Donington in 1993, Schumacher in Spain in 1996, or Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone in 2008. In these instances, the drivers weren't content with merely winning; they aimed to dominate and leave a lasting impression by overpowering their competitors.

"After the late Safety Car and red flag, he managed to create a 19-second lead over the group. His ability to pull away was astounding, making a very strong impression."

Discussing the difficulties of racing in rainy conditions, Chandhok explained that piloting a race car involves maintaining a delicate balance between traction and velocity, always teetering on the edge.

"Clearly, when the track is wet and offers less grip, your speed decreases, but the margin for error narrows significantly. Maintaining balance becomes even more challenging."

"Top drivers have a unique ability to maintain control as if balancing on a fingertip, staying right on the edge. They allow the car to move and sway, yet they remain confident in their control and can achieve the necessary lap time."

"It's impossible to exaggerate the challenge involved. The evidence was clear with numerous drivers veering off course, including experienced ones. During qualifying, even Alonso ended up crashing into the barrier. Many skilled drivers were having a hard time maintaining control and staying on the track."

"I don't recall seeing Max leave the track or even experience a wheel lock-up. He appeared to maintain complete control during the entire race."

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Lewis Hamilton might have passed his prime, but there’s good news for Ferrari. Is it possible that Lewis has seen better days?

According to Martin Brundle, although Lewis Hamilton may have already reached the height of his career, Ferrari will still secure a driver who can compete at the forefront.

After the final race of the F1 season in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton has bid farewell to Mercedes, marking the conclusion of their iconic partnership.

He is set to become part of Ferrari, bringing together the most accomplished driver in Formula 1 history with the sport's most successful team, although he will be 40 years old when he initially takes the driver's seat.

Sky Sports' Brundle praised Hamilton for his impressive performance, moving from 16th to finish fourth in Abu Dhabi, noting it was reminiscent of his comeback in Las Vegas.

"Is Lewis past his prime? Has he already reached his highest potential, or is it still to come? With his 40th birthday approaching in January, his best days might be in the past."

"With a race-winning Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton would have a 98% chance of securing victories. Additionally, he would likely feel a fresh surge of motivation."

"Hamilton still has much more to offer in a Formula 1 vehicle."

Lewis Hamilton to Partner with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Next year, Lewis Hamilton will join forces with Charles Leclerc, marking a new challenge for both drivers.

This season, George Russell consistently outpaced the seven-time F1 champion in qualifying, raising some doubts about the latter's performance.

However, Brundle maintains that Hamilton and Leclerc have a shot at the championship if Ferrari delivers the appropriate setup.

"If they have a car capable of winning the championship, both of them have an opportunity," Brundle commented.

"Charles is expected to be incredibly quick, yet Lewis brings a wealth of experience and the insight of having clinched seven championship titles."

Just like Lando Norris, it's uncertain if someone can perform at their best under pressure until they're actually in that situation. The real champions have the ability to deliver consistently.

"When it really comes down to it, there won't be much included."

Max Verstappen, racing for Red Bull, secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers' championship this season. His success was primarily due to his strong performance early in the year, benefiting from the speed of his RB20, which continued its momentum from 2023.

During the second part of the campaign, Red Bull's stronghold has weakened, and Verstappen has needed to defend against Norris from McLaren.

In the upcoming year, which marks the last season under the present set of rules, it is anticipated that the performance of the cars will become more similar. This will occur before the regulations are revamped in 2026, potentially reigniting optimism for Ferrari's Hamilton.

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Driver evaluations from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Lando Norris demonstrates his ability to thrive under stress. Who stood out as the top performer at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi event?

Lando Norris – 9.5

Norris's performance in Abu Dhabi might be considered his most remarkable win in Formula 1, especially considering the significant pressure he faced. With McLaren relying entirely on him for their constructors' championship ambitions after his teammate, Piastri, was spun out at the first turn, Norris remained composed and secured his fourth victory of the season.

Carlos Sainz – 9

In contrast to his teammate, Carlos Sainz successfully reached Q3 and emerged as the leading contender behind the McLarens during the qualifying session. During the race, Ferrari was missing that crucial extra speed to effectively compete with Norris, resulting in them securing second place in the constructors' championship.

Lewis Hamilton – 9

During the Q1 segment at the Yas Marina Circuit, Hamilton was not to blame for his elimination, which occurred after he accidentally drove over a bollard. In the race, he impressed with an exceptional final run on medium tires, highlighted by an incredible overtake of his teammate Russell, ultimately finishing in fourth place.

Pierre Gasly – 9

Gasly showcased his skills once again with a strong performance in Abu Dhabi. He began the race from fifth position and concluded it as the top driver among the midfield competitors, securing seventh place. It was a commendable way to wrap up the season.

Nico Hulkenberg – 8.5

Similar to Gasly, Hulkenberg had an impressive performance in the F1 midfield over the weekend. The sole downside was a grid penalty he received for passing another car while exiting the pit lane. Other than that, his driving remains exceptional.

Charles Leclerc – 8.5

Starting from 19th position, Leclerc made an impressive climb to eighth place by the end of the first lap in Abu Dhabi. Nevertheless, he is likely to lament the error he made during qualifying, which resulted in his elimination in Q2.

Fernando Alonso – 8.5

Alonso had another weekend that flew under the radar. He secured a spot in the top 10 during both qualifying and the race. Given the current circumstances, Aston Martin couldn't really expect more from him.

George Russell earned a score of 7.5 for his performance. He once again led the Mercedes team during the qualifying rounds, showcasing his consistent Saturday form. Despite this, Hamilton appeared to have the upper hand in Abu Dhabi, managing to close a 14-second gap during the final phase of the race and ultimately finishing in front of Russell.

Alex Albon – 7

Albon was positioned within the top 10 with about 12 laps remaining, but ultimately got overtaken by Alonso and Piastri. Williams didn't have the speed necessary to secure points during this weekend's race.

Yuki Tsunoda – 6.5

Yuki Tsunoda had a rough beginning, which immediately put him at a disadvantage. The driver from Japan suggested that a problem with the clutch might have caused his sluggish start, an issue that also impacted his initial pit stop. Nevertheless, considering the drivers who ended up in the top 10, earning points was a challenging goal for VCARB this weekend.

Kevin Magnussen – 6.5

Magnussen found himself on the less effective two-stop strategy, which ultimately failed to deliver good results. His race took a turn for the worse when Bottas collided with him at Turn 6, effectively destroying his chances.

Oscar Piastri – 6

Piastri was not at fault for the incident with Verstappen at the first corner. If not for an unnecessary collision with Colapinto following the Virtual Safety Car, he likely would have secured at least a seventh-place finish.

Max Verstappen – 6

Verstappen had a tumultuous weekend. He erred on his initial Q3 attempt and later attempted an ambitious move on Piastri, resulting in both drivers spinning.

Liam Lawson – 6

Lawson faced a challenging weekend, as he was once again outpaced by Tsunoda in qualifying for the sixth consecutive race. His race took a turn for the worse due to an improperly secured front-left tire, leading to a 10-second stop-and-go penalty.

Zhou Guanyu received a rating of 5.5. His issues with single-lap performance resurfaced, resulting in his exit during the Q1 session. During the race, he delivered a steady but unremarkable performance and incurred a five-second time penalty due to a false start.

Lance Stroll – 5.5

Stroll began the race on a strong note, but his chances of scoring points gradually diminished. He received a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits.

Franco Colapinto – 5.5

In his last race with Williams, Franco Colapinto did not finish because of an engine failure. Prior to this, he was involved in a collision with Piastri, which resulted in a tire puncture.

Sergio Perez – 5.5

Perez's season concluded fittingly with a Did Not Finish (DNF) during the race's initial lap. He got involved in the chaos at the start, and a crash with Bottas forced him to bow out early.

Jack Doohan – 5.5

Jack Doohan's first Formula 1 race was less than impressive. He lacked speed but managed to avoid any incidents. This race provided valuable experience for the Australian as he looks forward to next season.

Valtteri Bottas – 4.5

Bottas shone during the qualifying rounds, reaching Q3 for only the second time this year. However, the race was chaotic, despite an impressive beginning. An incident with Perez led to a 10-second penalty, and a collision with Magnussen ended his race prematurely. He also received a grid penalty, which he might not have to face if he doesn't come back to Formula 1.

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Current Status of Michael Schumacher: Insights on the F1 Icon

Renowned as one of the top racing drivers in history, Michael Schumacher has cemented his legacy in Formula 1.

However, Schumacher's existence took a drastic turn after he was involved in a terrible skiing accident on December 29, 2013.

The seven-time world champion has remained away from public view since then, with his family providing only infrequent updates about his health, which they have kept confidential.

What occurred with Schumacher?

Michael Schumacher found himself in a severe condition following a skiing accident with his son Mick at the Meribel ski resort in France on December 29, 2013.

At the age of 44, he had recently retired from Formula 1 for the second time after the conclusion of the previous season. His comeback to the racing world was with Mercedes, where he competed from 2010 to 2012.

Schumacher sustained severe brain injuries after falling and striking his head on a rock, despite wearing a helmet. He was in a coma when he was brought to a hospital in France.

He had emergency surgery right away, followed by another procedure later that night.

According to a report by Germany’s Bild newspaper, Schumacher's situation deteriorated, leading doctors to perform a procedure involving drilling holes in his skull to alleviate brain pressure.

Reports indicate that Schumacher managed to leave the scene of the accident on his own, mentioning only that he felt somewhat unsettled.

In September 2014, Schumacher was transferred to a larger facility in Grenoble and later taken back to his home in Switzerland to further his recovery.

What is Schumacher's current condition?

The Schumacher family has chosen to stay silent regarding the 54-year-old's health, respecting his desire for privacy.

In 2014, The Telegraph published a report stating that Schumacher was unable to move and confined to a wheelchair.

In September 2021, the family offered an uncommon update coinciding with the debut of a Netflix documentary detailing the life of the F1 icon.

Corinna Schumacher, the wife of the legendary racer who has won 91 grand prix events, mentioned that he is "not the same, but he is present."

Corinna expressed that he continues to demonstrate his strength daily. "As a family, we're striving to move forward," she added.

She mentioned, "We share a residence and participate in therapy sessions."

"We are doing all we can to improve Michael's condition and ensure his comfort. Our goal is to make him feel the strength of our family connection and love."

"Regardless of the circumstances, I am committed to doing everything possible. We all share this commitment. Meanwhile, we are moving forward with our lives."

According to reports from the German press, as the 10th anniversary of his skiing accident approaches in late 2023, Schumacher is under constant care provided by a team that could include as many as 15 caregivers. To help trigger brain activity with recognizable sounds, he has been taken for drives in a Mercedes road car and exposed to audio from Formula 1 races.

Mick Schumacher, son of the renowned racer, has embarked on his Formula 1 career with Haas in 2021, following his victory in the F2 championship.

The young driver, aged 23, had a two-year stint in Formula 1 racing with the Haas team, achieving his top result with a sixth-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2022. Presently, he serves as the reserve driver for Mercedes, the same team where his father concluded his racing career.

In March 2017, Mick spoke openly for the first time about his father, referring to him as "my idol" and "my role model."

In the Netflix documentary about Schumacher, Mick expressed that he "would sacrifice anything" just to have the opportunity to discuss racing with his father, Michael.

Who stops by to see Michael Schumacher?

Jean Todt, who used to lead Ferrari and previously served as the president of the FIA, disclosed that he is among the limited number of people permitted to visit Schumacher and that they watch Formula 1 races together.

"I don't feel Michael's absence because I visit him," Todt shared with German broadcaster RTL. "However, I do long for the activities we once enjoyed together."

Indeed, it's correct—I watch the races alongside Michael.

Eddie Jordan, the former team principal who provided Schumacher with his first significant opportunity in Formula 1, is not permitted to visit but supports the family's choice.

He described it to The Sun as an extremely terrible ordeal for Mick and Corinna.

For almost a decade, Corinna has been unable to attend social events, whether it's a gathering, a meal, or anything else. She feels trapped because people constantly want to discuss Michael with her, even though she doesn't need to be reminded of it all the time.

What information is available on Michael Schumacher?

In 2023, Felix Damm, the attorney representing Schumacher, clarified the reasons for the absence of a conclusive update regarding the health status of the Formula 1 icon.

He mentioned that their main focus was on safeguarding personal matters. They thought about whether releasing a comprehensive report on Michael's health would be an appropriate method to achieve this.

"However, that wouldn't have concluded the situation, as there would have been a need for regular updates on 'water level reports.' Additionally, the family wouldn't have had control over when the media stopped being interested in the story."

He mentioned that the media might repeatedly revisit such a report, asking questions like, "How does the situation appear now?" several months or even years later. He further remarked that if there was any desire to challenge this kind of coverage, it would necessitate addressing the issue of voluntary self-disclosure.

When private details are revealed by friends or acquaintances rather than the individual in question, it does not count as the person willingly sharing their own private information.

At the end of 2024, Lewis Hamilton penned an introductory tribute for a book focusing on Schumacher.

The book titled "World Championship Cars: Michael Schumacher" delves into the various vehicles that the legendary F1 driver, Michael Schumacher, used during his racing career.

In his book, Hamilton stated: "Michael is one of the iconic figures in our sport. For those who grow up with a love for motorsport, certain individuals always stand out, and Michael was undeniably an inspiration for aspiring drivers."

His quickness, strong work ethic, unwavering determination, and consistency throughout his lengthy career and outstanding performance are truly commendable.

Hamilton remarked, "Regarding Michael's legacy, I choose to concentrate on him as an individual rather than as a rival."

The essence lies not in accolades or awards, but in the family that he and Corinna built together.

"Their exceptional qualities, modest nature, and genuine character speak volumes about Michael's principles far better than I could express."

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Martin Brundle reveals his top grid walk moment in Formula 1.

Martin Brundle described his conversation with Mika Hakkinen before one of Hakkinen's Formula 1 championship wins as the highlight of his grid walk experiences.

Beginning in the late 1990s, Brundle's grid walk has become a well-known and beloved segment among fans and viewers globally.

The British individual regularly converses with both race car drivers and various famous personalities on the track prior to the playing of the national

In 2024, Brundle is still conducting his well-known grid walks for Sky Sports in the UK.

During a recent appearance on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle shared his thoughts on his extensive broadcasting career, with a particular focus on his experiences conducting grid walks.

Brundle described his conversation with Hakkinen as the highlight of his time on the grid.

Mika Hakkinen secured his two Formula 1 championships at the Suzuka circuit, defeating Michael Schumacher in 1998 and Eddie Irvine in 1999.

"In that regard, he mentioned that he would invariably begin with the drivers."

In a conversation with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen, we recalled a funny incident that happened in Brazil. One of the standout moments for me occurred at Suzuka, where I was at the front of the starting grid. Mika Hakkinen was in pole position with an opportunity to clinch the world championship, and I arrived just as he was putting on his balaclava.

"We used to be teammates at McLaren and are still quite familiar with each other. He glanced at me, as if urging me on, so I asked him, 'Mika, is it possible for you to clinch the world championship today?' He confidently replied, 'Yes, I can.'"

"The balaclava is pulled down, the helmet is put on, he enters the car, and secures the world championship title."

"In my view, this is a one-of-a-kind chance for broadcasting content. What other sport allows for this?"

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Michael Schumacher was an expert at playing mind games, which left me feeling inadequate. In that environment, kindness was not an option; you had to take advantage of any vulnerability.

Damon Hill has shared insights into his intricate relationship with Michael Schumacher.

Three decades ago, Schumacher secured his inaugural Formula 1 title while driving for Benetton.

In a well-known incident in Australia in 1994, Schumacher and his championship competitor Hill collided and had to withdraw from the race. As neither driver scored any points, Schumacher clinched the championship.

However, many within the Formula 1 community held the future German legend accountable for the incident, which is now seen as a minor detail in the narrative of his notoriously aggressive driving style.

Hill mentioned to Bild that despite having a good relationship with Michael off the track, they had a strong rivalry when racing.

"If you aim to become a Formula 1 world champion, there was and still is no alternative."

"There was no space for politeness. One must take advantage of every vulnerability in their adversary and exhaust them."

Michael excelled at playing mind games. He caused me to doubt my abilities and feel inadequate.

"He informed the media as well. Given his numerous victories at the time, there was every reason to trust his words."

Hill mentioned about his former competitor: "Michael was not only highly competitive, but also a very kind-hearted individual."

Schumacher achieved a historic seven Formula 1 world titles following his legendary period with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton has equaled the record and is set to move to Ferrari in 2025, with the ambition of surpassing Schumacher to achieve the highest record of all time.

Hill clinched the F1 title in 1996, two years following his notable clash with Schumacher in Australia.

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The top ten wealthiest Formula 1 drivers ever

Formula 1 is known for generously compensating its drivers, a fact evident from the opulent residences found in Monaco.

There is plenty of money involved in the major contracts that today’s F1 drivers have, as well as those that legendary drivers from the past benefited from.

Numerous F1 drivers who boast significant net worths have accumulated their wealth over an extended period.

According to estimates by GQ, these are the wealthiest Formula 1 drivers in history.

10. Alain Prost – £78 million

Alain Prost, the French driver, once held the record for the highest number of Formula 1 grand prix victories. This record stood for many years until it was eventually broken by Michael Schumacher.

Alain Prost secured four Formula 1 world titles, yet his career was marked by numerous contentious incidents.

His legendary rivalry with Ayrton Senna is well-known.

9. Eddie Irvine – £93 million

Hailing from Northern Ireland, Eddie Irvine raced in Formula 1 from 1993 to 2002. He achieved notable success in 1999 when he finished as the second-place driver for

Irvine amassed a highly successful collection of real estate investments, which significantly boosted his wealth.

8. Mario Andretti – £101 million

The American racing driver claimed victories in Formula One, IndyCar, the Daytona 500, Nascar, and the World Sportscar Championship.

The Andretti family might make a comeback in Formula 1, with a team managed by Mario Andretti's son, Michael.

7. Sebastian Vettel – £109 million

The German driver has secured four Formula 1 world titles, leading Red Bull to its initial series of victories in the sport.

A subsequent stint with Ferrari didn't bring much success on the track, but it significantly boosted Vettel's financial earnings.

Last year, he concluded his Formula 1 career following two seasons with Aston Martin. However, there is a possibility that he could be lured back into racing by participating in the World Endurance Championship in 2024.

6. Jenson Button – £117 million

Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 world champion, secured a highly lucrative contract with McLaren following his championship victory with Brawn.

Button is involved in numerous business ventures beyond his career in Formula 1. Additionally, he serves as a television presenter for Sky.

5. Niki Lauda – £157 million

The iconic race car driver clinched three Formula 1 world titles, with his most significant stints being with McLaren and Ferrari.

In addition to authoring books, he was also involved in owning and selling an airline, and he served as a muse for the film 'Rush' alongside James Hunt.

4. Kimi Raikkonen – £143m

When Kimi Raikkonen initially joined Ferrari, he secured an extraordinarily lucrative contract, placing him among the top earners in the world of Formula 1.

Raikkonen has put money into real estate, has participated in the World Rally Championship and NASCAR as a driver, and currently holds the position of team principal in motocross.

Fernando Alonso – £204 million

In 2023, Fernando Alonso continues to excel in Formula 1, contributing to his substantial wealth. The two-time world champion has raced for several prominent teams, including Renault, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, and currently Aston Martin.

2. Lewis Hamilton – £223 million

Lewis Hamilton's many profitable contracts in Formula 1, bolstered by his seven world championship titles, have significantly increased his wealth. His recent agreement to remain with Mercedes for an additional two years will further enhance his earnings. Beyond racing, Hamilton has substantial investments in the business sector, such as a stake in the Denver Broncos and a vegan burger company valued at £100 million.

1. Michael Schumacher – £472m

Michael Schumacher, a legendary figure in the world of sports, had his remarkable seven Formula 1 championships matched by Lewis Hamilton. His time with Ferrari is not only memorable in the history of Formula 1 but also stands out as one of the most remarkable eras achieved by any athlete with any team.

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Formula 1 Driver Earnings: What Are the Salaries of Each Racer?

Based on estimates from RacingNews365, Max Verstappen continues to hold the position as the top-earning driver in Formula 1.

For many years, Lewis Hamilton held the title of the highest-paid driver in Formula 1, but he has now fallen behind Verstappen. His earnings for 2024 are based on the contract he inked with Mercedes last summer. However, this will be his last season with the team, as he is set to move to Ferrari in 2025, where he will also enjoy a salary increase.

Charles Leclerc has inked a fresh contract with Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season, positioning him as the third most highly paid driver.

Lando Norris signed a new contract with McLaren in the first weeks of 2024, which places him as the fourth highest-paid driver.

George Russell from Mercedes and Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin are tied for the fifth position.

Prominently at the opposite end of the ranking are RB's Yuki Tsunoda and Williams' Logan Sargeant.

The 2024 season is anticipated to be particularly eventful, as many drivers will have contracts concluding at the year's end, allowing them the opportunity to negotiate new agreements with other teams.

Mercedes is looking for a driver to take Hamilton's place, and there's a chance that Red Bull might part ways with Sergio Perez to bring in someone new, leading to two lucrative openings in the racing world.

Formula 1 drivers receive a base salary, as shown in the list above, and have the opportunity to earn additional bonuses for winning races and championships.

This indicates that Verstappen's earnings will significantly exceed his standard salary of $55 million.

In 2023, Forbes calculated that Verstappen's income, including bonuses, amounted to $70 million.

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Lewis frequently travels to various Grand Prix events across the globe for Crash.net. He typically provides on-site coverage, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Guenther Steiner observes a transformation in Fernando Alonso similar to Lewis Hamilton

Guenther Steiner has pointed out that Fernando Alonso, in his return to Formula 1, has developed traits reminiscent of Lewis Hamilton.

Ex-Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has observed a transformation in Fernando Alonso, comparable to that of Lewis Hamilton, over the past few years.

Following a challenging stint with McLaren from 2015 to 2018, Alonso stepped away from Formula 1 for two years to participate in the World Endurance Championship.

Alonso claimed victory at the Le Mans race on two occasions and also secured the World Endurance Championship title driving for Toyota

The Spanish driver lost his passion for Formula 1 during a period without any victories, a situation that continues into 2024.

When he came back to Alpine in 2021, Alonso seemed revitalized.

He made a comeback to the podium during the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix and later experienced his most successful season since his time with Ferrari, while racing for Aston Martin in 2023.

A point of criticism against Alonso was his struggle to collaborate effectively within a team setting and his tendency to openly reprimand his teammates.

In his book 'Unfiltered', Steiner highlighted a significant adjustment Alonso has implemented in his second period in Formula 1.

In my view, during his time away from Formula 1, Fernando not only clinched the World Endurance Championship and secured two victories at Le Mans, but he also mastered the art of using his ego to his advantage—something he might not have managed as effectively in earlier years, according to Steiner's writing.

"Observe him currently. He exudes calmness, confidence, and behaves impeccably, allowing him to focus all his mental and physical efforts on excelling in his racing performance. In this way, he resembles Lewis Hamilton a great deal."

In 2024, Alonso has continued to deliver outstanding individual performances, but Aston Martin has fallen behind in the rankings.

Aston Martin achieved a fifth-place finish in the 2024 Formula 1 constructors' championship, trailing significantly behind Mercedes, which took the fourth spot.

The team, under the ownership of billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is making plans for what lies ahead.

In the early part of this year, they finalized a contract with Adrian Newey, who is known as a design expert from Red Bull. He is scheduled

Former Mercedes executive Andy Cowell and Enrico Cardile have become part of the team.

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With a keen awareness of the controversies and narratives in F1, Connor serves as the core of our impartial journalism.

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A potential £30 million payout is being discussed, yet Adrian Newey is considered a "bargain" and is said to earn less than he deserves. Martin Brundle often remarks that Newey's salary is surprisingly low for his value.

It has been asserted that the substantial salary Adrian Newey receives from Aston Martin will be a valuable investment.

The chief technology officer from Red Bull is only a few months from beginning his new role at Aston Martin, where he will serve as the managing technical partner and hold a stake in the company.

According to reports, Lawrence Stroll, the billionaire behind Aston Martin, plans to offer Adrian Newey a salary that exceeds what 18 out of the 20 current Formula 1 drivers earn, as part of his quest for success.

According to Craig Slater from Sky Sports, the number he is most certain of, amidst many publicly available figures, is an annual base salary of $25 million, which is slightly less than £20 million.

"The bonuses have the potential to increase the amount by an additional 50%, bringing the total to £30 million."

The contract is set for a five-year duration, but it remains indefinite since he holds shares in the company. Therefore, it might continue indefinitely.

"These conditions are more advantageous than those proposed by any competitors."

Eddie Jordan was a strong advocate for Newey, pushing hard during negotiations. Initially, the asking price was set at $50 million, but Lawrence Stroll managed to negotiate a lower figure. This is the information I have received.

Martin Brundle frequently claims that Newey is not compensated as well as he should be.

Ted Kravitz commented, "That's quite a deal. According to Stroll, he considers it a steal."

"If a team advances from fifth to fourth place in the constructors' standings, it results in an additional £15 million. Climbing from fifth to first place over a few years could potentially bring in £50 million."

Slater mentioned, "He will be employed here on a full-time basis. While at Red Bull, he participated in various other initiatives."

He indicated his intention to work diligently. The focus remains on Formula 1, with any road car projects planned for the future.

"The main goal is to ensure that the Formula 1 team starts achieving victories."

Newey is set to commence his role with the team located in Silverstone beginning in March.

The most accomplished car designer in the history of Formula 1 will have the opportunity to supervise the development of Aston Martin's vehicle for the 2026 season, which could provide the team with a significant edge when the new rules are implemented.

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For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he covered a wide range of events, including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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