Earning $150 every minute 24/7/365 days a year in F1 [True Story]
F1 NewsTuesday, 04 March 2025 at 08:00
For most people, earning $150 per minute sounds like a fantasy. But in the world of elite motorsport, top drivers command staggering salaries that, when broken down by the second, result in eye-watering figures.
With the 2025 Formula 1 season set to begin on March 16, and the seventh season of Drive to Survive launching the week before, betting and statistics platform Oddspedia has analysed the jaw-dropping salaries of the sport’s top-earning drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Using salary data from the F1 Rich List, the figures reveal everything from earnings per hour and per minute to how much a driver theoretically earns in the time it takes to complete a single lap at the biggest circuits.
Verstappen pips Hamilton as F1's highest earnner
Reigning and four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen leads the list, having earned $75.5 million last year, equating to $8,640 per hour at $144 per minute. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton follows closely, earning $57.2 million in 2024, which breaks down to: $6,515 per hour at $108.58 per minute.
Formula 1 salaries reflect the sport’s enormous global appeal, as well as the skill, risk, and marketability of its top drivers. The contrast remains stark, however, as mid-grid and lower-ranked drivers earn significantly less—some struggling to secure funding just to race.
With F1 set for another blockbuster season in 2025, the financial stakes remain as high as ever, proving that for the sport’s biggest stars, every second truly counts.
Where does the big money go? Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Verstappen, has strategically invested his earnings from racing into various ventures and assets. Below is an overview of his notable investments.
Yachts and jets!
In November 2020, Max Verstappen purchased a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft from Virgin Galactic. In February 2025, he upgraded to a Dassault Falcon 8X, a luxury aircraft valued at approximately $50 million. This investment enhances his travel convenience, allowing efficient movement between global racing events and personal commitments.
Verstappen resides in a luxurious apartment in Monaco, a choice common among Formula 1 drivers. Beyond offering a lavish lifestyle, this residence also provides significant financial benefits, as Monaco is known for its favourable tax environment.
In January 2025, Verstappen expanded his portfolio with the purchase of a 108-foot Mangusta GranSport 33 yacht named "Unleash the Lion." The vessel features five staterooms, multiple lounging areas, a spacious sundeck, and a beach club, reflecting his penchant for luxury and leisure.
Verstappen’s passion for automobiles is evident in his high-end car collection, which includes models from Aston Martin, Ferrari, Porsche, and Bugatti. With a total estimated value of $6 million, this collection represents both a personal interest and a substantial investment.
In 2022, Verstappen launched "Verstappen.com Racing," a platform aimed at uniting various forms of motorsport, from karting to sim racing. This initiative highlights his commitment to nurturing emerging talent and expanding his influence within the racing community.
Beyond his investments, Verstappen has shown a strong commitment to philanthropy. In 2024, he pledged a $250,000 charity donation, underscoring his dedication to giving back to the community and supporting meaningful causes.
Through these investments, Verstappen has diversified his portfolio, blending luxury acquisitions with ventures that reflect his personal passions and professional interests.
Hamilton from Vegan Burgers to Hollywood Producer and a lot in between
With seven F1 titles to his name, Hamilton has strategically invested his earnings into a diverse portfolio spanning various industries. Here's an overview of his notable investments and ventures:
In 2019, Lewis Hamilton co-founded Neat Burger, a global plant-based burger chain that quickly gained recognition, winning "Best Vegan Restaurant of the Year" at the 2020 Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. He further expanded his presence in the plant-based industry by investing in NotCo, a food-tech startup that uses artificial intelligence to create vegan products, which was valued at $1.5 billion following his involvement. In October 2024,
Hamilton also invested in Bramble, a fresh plant-based dog food company, where his bulldog, Roscoe, was appointed as the brand’s chief taste officer.
Beyond Formula 1, Hamilton has ventured into sports team ownership. In August 2022, he became part of the Denver Broncos’ ownership group, expanding his influence into professional sports management. More recently, he has expressed interest in acquiring a MotoGP team, particularly following Liberty Media’s $4.2 billion takeover of the sport. This potential investment aligns with his lifelong passion for motorsports beyond F1.
Hamilton has an impressive portfolio of blue-chip investments
Hamilton has also made a name for himself in fashion and lifestyle. In 2018, he partnered with Tommy Hilfiger to launch TOMMYXLEWIS, a clothing line that reflects his unique style and influence in the fashion industry. In 2020, he expanded his interests into media and publishing by joining an investment group that acquired W Magazine, showcasing his engagement in luxury and culture-driven media ventures.
His portfolio includes technology and startup investments, notably Zapp, an on-demand grocery delivery startup that raised £150 million in funding within two years of its launch. Hamilton also reinforced his commitment to sustainability by investing in Bramble, further establishing his advocacy for plant-based and eco-conscious initiatives.
In October 2022, Hamilton founded Dawn Apollo Films, a production company that has since undertaken high-profile projects, including an upcoming Formula 1-themed film starring Brad Pitt, set to release in June 2025. His creative ambitions also extend to music, having collaborated with Christina Aguilera under the pseudonym XNDA, featuring on her 2018 song "Pipe".
Hamilton’s real estate investments reflect his global lifestyle, with a £10 million residence in Monaco, a $40 million apartment in Manhattan, New York, and an estate in Colorado. These properties not only offer luxury and privacy but also signify his long-term wealth-building strategy.
Hamilton is reportedly worth over $400-million
Notably, Hamilton previously owned a Bombardier Challenger 605 private jet, which was painted in a distinctive red colour and carried the tail number G-LCDH, reflecting his initials.
He reportedly purchased the jet for £16.5 million ($21 million), using it frequently for travel between Formula 1 races and personal commitments.
In 2019, Hamilton decided to sell the jet as part of his commitment to reducing his carbon footprint. Since then, he has promoted eco-friendly travel, opting to fly commercially and advocate for more sustainable transport solutions.
Hamilton has also been vocal about environmental consciousness, adopting a plant-based lifestyle and encouraging others to embrace sustainable practices both in and out of motorsport.
Over the years, almost two decades as F1's top earners, through his business ventures, Hamilton has diversified his portfolio, blending his passions for sports, fashion, technology, and philanthropy, thereby extending his influence beyond the racetrack.
Latest News
Loading
