It shouldn’t come as a surprise when we tell you Lewis Hamilton is the most marketable driver in Formula 1. Most of us would have thought that #2 on the list would be Max Verstappen, especially after the 2022 season. However, the Dutchman was placed fourth and also behind his teammate, Sergio Perez, in the list of most valuable drivers on the grid.

Despite being number two in Red Bull’s driver’s hierarchy, Sergio Perez is more valuable. The Mexican might’ve been behind his teammate all season, but when it came to generating money, Perez took the lead. The Mexican finished third on a list compiled by the experts at Zoomph, a sports brand data specialist company.

The company determined that despite his success on the track, Sergio Perez generated more money among the duo. The Mexican finished third on the list ahead of Verstappen. Perez, as a brand, generated a total of a massive $33.1 million in 2022.

Verstappen, as a brand, generated $30.1 million, exactly three million less than Perez’s contribution.

Read More: Max Verstappen Refuses to Give Sergio Perez His Rightful Throne: “Depends on How You Look at It”

The two Red Bull men finished behind the Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The seven-time world champion, as a brand, generated the most amount of money, $59.6 million. Charles Leclerc finished second by accumulating $40 million.

Perez in third is a massive boost for the Mexican for one other aspect.

Sergio Perez outscores Max Verstappen to solidify his stake in the Red Bull seat

The Mexican’s ability to generate massive money for a team will definitely work in his favor. This will be a key point in discussions, especially after all the controversy and the fact that Daniel Ricciardo will be breathing down his neck.

The Ricciardo brand generated about $15.7 million, a little more than half of what Perez brought in. This will be important for the Mexican to solidify his claim for the second Red Bull seat. However, Ricciardo won’t stop his pursuit of Perez’s seat for 2024.

WATCH THIS STORY: How a Euphoric Sergio Perez Hilariously Leaked His Red Bull Contract Announcement at Monaco

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Amidst the drama and the controversies, Perez is still an important figure in the Red Bull camp. If his contribution in 2021 and 2022 did not tell Red Bull that, his financial contribution should clear all doubts.