Max Verstappen has become one of the biggest stars in Formula 1 over the past few years. His fearless driving, confident personality, and consistent performance have made him a favorite among fans worldwide. But how much do you really know about the Red Bull Racing driver? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the reigning F1 champion.
Why Does Max Verstappen Race with Number 33?
From a young age, Verstappen considered the number 3 his lucky charm. However, when he entered Formula 1, that number was already taken by Daniel Ricciardo. As a result, Verstappen doubled down and chose 33, joking that it would bring him “double the luck.” He explained that he used this number during his early racing years and wanted to carry it into his F1 career.
In Formula 1, each driver selects a permanent race number to use throughout their career, with one exception: the reigning world champion has the option to use number 1.
Is Verstappen Racing with Number 1 in 2024?
Yes. As the world champion, Verstappen has the right to use the coveted number 1. After securing his first title in 2021, he announced that he would make the switch. He has continued to use number 1 on his Red Bull car in 2022, 2023, 2024, and will do so again in 2025.
Speaking to Motorsport.com after defending his title, Verstappen said, “I think it’s the best number in the world for a driver. You never know how many chances you’ll get to use it in your career. I can always return to 33 if I’m no longer champion, but for now, I’ll stick with number 1 as long as I can.”
How Much Does Max Verstappen Earn?
In March 2022, Red Bull Racing and Verstappen signed a new long-term agreement, reportedly valued between €200 million and €250 million. This translates to an annual salary between €40 million and €50 million.
According to Forbes, Verstappen earned $60 million in 2023 — $40 million in base salary and an additional $20 million in performance-related bonuses. On top of that, personal sponsorships added another $4 million, bringing his total earnings for the year to $64 million.
Despite this impressive figure, Lewis Hamilton remains the highest-paid F1 driver, with an estimated $65 million in total earnings for 2023 — $55 million in salary and $10 million from endorsements.
What Is Max Verstappen’s Net Worth?
Verstappen’s total net worth is estimated at €210 million. This figure places him 322nd on the 2024 Quote 500, a list of the richest individuals in the Netherlands. Compared to the 2023 edition, he climbed 94 spots.
His rise in wealth has been rapid. When he first appeared on the Quote 500 in 2022, his net worth was estimated at €120 million, placing him at the very bottom of the list. At that time, he was also the youngest individual featured in the ranking.
How Long Is Verstappen’s Contract with Red Bull?
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028. His initial deal was set to expire at the end of 2023, but after winning his first world championship in Abu Dhabi in 2021, the team extended and upgraded his agreement.
Verstappen has often spoken about how much he enjoys being part of the Red Bull family. “It was an easy decision to stay longer. I love this team, and last year was simply incredible,” he said when the extension was announced. “Since 2016, our goal has been to win the championship. We achieved that, and now I want to keep number 1 on the car for as long as I can.”
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