Verstappen losing about a million dollars per race as Red Bull falter

After winning seven of the first ten races of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, Verstappen has not won since the Spanish Grand Prix seven races ago, and it's all going to hurt his pocket, says former Formula 1 driver turned pundit Ralf Schumacher.

Speaking to Bild, Schumacher said: "It's assumed that he loses a million for every race he doesn't win. That is unbelievable. Last year he was so successful, and that is a lot of money that he is missing out on, in addition to the fact that things are no longer going well in sporting terms."

Forbes has Verstappen on a $45 million annual retainer with Red Bull plus bonus money for GP wins and becoming F1 World Champion. Last year, 19 wins and his third title meant he banked an extra $25 million, equalling a whopping $70-million he earned in 2023.

Simple math suggests Verstappen is probably on around $1 million per victory and possibly $5 million for winning the title. This year he will probably hang on to the title ($5 million) despite Red Bull's problems with the RB20, which even Max cannot drive around. But the million-per-race win is where it will be costing him.

With Red Bull experiencing an alarming 'brain drain' aka design genius Adrian Newey and strategy guru Jonathan Wheatley, questions are being asked about Verstappen's future with the team. This is not a new theme, as after the Christian Horner 'sexting saga' talk of a move by the Dutch ace has been a constant in the headlines.

It is well known, and by his own admission, Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff craves Verstappen in his team. The Austrian has Jos Verstappen's father on speed dial, and we know what Max's father feels about Horner's leadership of Red Bull.

Schumacher also touched on Verstappen's future: "I'm of the opinion that not everything is set in stone as far as what will happen to Max is concerned. Because I believe he is not patient and will not stay forever.

"From what I heard, Mercedes said, 'We always have a free seat for you.'" But also the issue surrounding Christian Horner, who said 'people can leave if they want. We are so strong as a team, we can absorb it.' That was also a classic misjudgment, as you can see," reckoned Schumacher.

Beyond Mercedes, 26-year-old Verstappen could probably pick any F1 team he wants to go and race for, maybe Ferrari excluded until Lewis Hamilton has his chapter at Maranello. Max will probably be only hitting 20 at that point.

Before that, expect a bid for Verstappen's services from Lawrence Stroll as the Canadian billionaire builds a super team. Luring Newey to Aston Martin after his Red Bull departure is a big statement of intent. Is Verstappen nest?