Motorsport

LEWIS HAMILTON must have heard almost everything in F1.But even the seven-time world champ couldn’t contain himself when told of Max Verstappen’s verdict on the upcoming final third of the season.Lewis Hamilton appeared surprised by the comments of Max Verstappen, who is well clear of McLaren’s Lando Norris in the title raceCredit: GettyHamilton’s reaction to Verstappen’s verdict was clear to seeCredit: GettyRed Bull ace Verstappen has won the last three titles and leads this year’s Championship by 62 points from McLaren’s Lando Norris.But RB have spluttered in recent races amid performance issues.And McLaren have been closing the gap – leaving them just eight points behind Red Bull in the duel for the Constructors’ crown.However, Mercedes’ British star Hamilton was amused and bemused by Verstappen’s assessment ahead of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.READ MORE TOP STORIESLast time out, at the Italian GP two weeks ago, Norris was third and his team-mate Oscar Piastri second – behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.In contrast, Verstappen was sixth, with fellow RB driver Sergio Perez a further two spots below him.The Dutchman, 26, responded at the time by claiming Red Bull’s title hopes were now “unrealistic”.And far from now backing down in Baku, he said: “If we perform like Monza, it’s not realistic. Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So we definitely need to be better than what we have been delivering lately, we know that. “If we can find a better balance with the car, then actually we’ll be more competitive. But if more competitive is enough, I don’t know.”The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramThose comments were put to Hamilton, who is out of contention in sixth place before he switches to Ferrari for next year.And the 39-year-old was clearly reeling after hearing his old foe’s judgement.At first he said: “He said it’s unrealistic for him to get one of the two titles? Wow.” Hamilton then burst into laughter and added: “I mean, that’s his opinion, that’s obviously what he’s feeling in that moment, but he’s pretty far ahead! “I don’t really know what to say about it.”Verstappen, however, could yet have plenty to say after Sunday’s race – and for positive reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s because, despite his downbeat appraisal, he also let slip that Red Bull have discovered why their car has encountered problems.So if the team can fix those issues, their double title challenge could be “Baku on track” this weekend.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

FORMULA ONE drivers have long been known for their lavish lifestyles of rock and roll and splashing the cash.The rising popularity of the sport since Liberty Media’s acquisition of it has only served to further inflate the pockets of the biggest names in the motorsport.Lewis Hamilton is one of the biggest names in F1, but is currently not its top earnerCredit: GettyWorld champion Max Verstappen rakes in £42million a yearCredit: GettyAltogether, the 20 drivers who make up the F1 grid earn around £205million a year, excluding bonuses.But who takes the chequered flag when it comes to salary in 2024?1) Max Verstappen – £42mReigning world champion Max Verstappen is head honcho both in terms of track pace and contract income.The Dutchman has a staggering £42m a year going to him in his Red Bull deal.READ MORE IN F12) Lewis Hamilton – £34mLewis Hamilton is undoubtedly the biggest name on the F1 grid, and more than makes up the gap to Verstappen in terms of sponsorship income elsewhere.The Brit is in the last year of his Mercedes contract before he makes the switch to join Ferrari, which has seen him land a new bumper deal worth £50m a year.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS3) Charles Leclerc – £26mThe current poster boy of the Scuderia, Charles Leclerc, earns a cool £26m himself.The Monegasque has won two races so far in 2024 – Monaco and Italy – and will be hoping Hamilton’s introduction will help push the team up the grid even more.Most read in MotorsportWatch Lewis Hamilton’s potential successor Antonelli fail Mercedes audition with HUGE blunder in Italian GP practice4) Lando Norris – £15mMcLaren ace Lando Norris is currently the closest challenger to Verstappen, and is realistically the only one who could nick the driver’s championship away from the three-time world champion.However, the two-time race winner has some way to before he gets anywhere near Verstappen’s contract value.5) Fernando Alonso – £14mThe two-time world champion is the main driver at Aston Martin, who have just signed legendary designer Adrian Newey down to a deal worth £150m.For the time being though, Fernando Alonso is still search of his elusive next win in an F1 race.6) George Russell – £14mThe man who will replace Hamilton as Mercedes main man, George Russell earns a cool £14m-a-year.The Silver Arrows will be looking to the Brit to win races next season.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon7) Sergio Perez – £11mSergio Perez has struggled at Red Bull in the last couple of seasons, and has consequently seen his place with the team come under question.However, for now he remains the team’s second driver.8) Carlos Sainz – £9.2mCarlos Sainz is set to leave his £9.2m contract at Ferrari to join Williams after losing his seat next season to Hamilton.He has one win so far this season, and will be hoping to add to his list while he still has Ferrari engineering behind him.9) Valtteri Bottas – £7.7mFormer Mercedes star Valtteri Bottas likely has his race-winning days behind him.But his more than capable racecraft at Kick Sauber F1 still sees him command a massive salary of £7.7m.READ MORE SUN STORIES10) Daniel Ricciardo – £5.4mLike Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo’s race-winning days are certainly behind him.However, the Aussie remains a big name in the sport and can still pocket a huge £5.4m a year salary.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More