Formula 1: This is how much money flows to the teams – who really benefits?

Formula 1: This is how much money flows to the teams – who really benefits?

Formula 1 is about to open its new season and the teams' financial streams have just been revealed. A total of $1.266 billion will be distributed to all racing teams at the start of the season, but not evenly. While the McLaren team increased its revenue to $168 million thanks to victory in the constructors' world championship, Red Bull experienced a massive decline. Their income fell from $184 million to $152 million, which is the largest loss in the entire field. Mercedes is also suffering from financial losses and only receives $151 million, while Williams has to make do with $90 million, compared to $97 million last year. These developments could be decisive in the first week of the season at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, where the first points will be awarded.

Top earner in Formula 1

Formula 1 drivers' salaries are impressively high despite the teams' financial fluctuations. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton top the payroll, both earning around $55 million annually. Aside from base salaries, personal sponsorship deals and performance bonuses can significantly increase the earnings of these top drivers. For example, Verstappen reduced his base salary in order to earn more through bonuses for victories and championships. Brands and sponsors are also active behind the scenes and throw large amounts of money into the premier class of motorsport.

On the other hand, there are drivers like Logan Sargeant and Yuki Tsunoda who only make around a million dollars. This discrepancy highlights the dependence of salaries on team resources, sporting successes and the experience of the drivers. The current salary scale shows that drivers from previous generations who have achieved great success are at the top, while new talent has a harder time establishing themselves in the expensive world of Formula 1, such as fr.de executes. This financial pressure increases competition in an already competitive sport.

The coming races could decide not only the fate of the teams, but also how the drivers' salaries will develop in the future. The financial basis of the teams will be crucial in determining which drivers can assert themselves in the hierarchy of Formula 1, especially in such a dynamic and challenging environment.